LAMU ISLAND BEACH HOTELS - Safaris and Travel Africa

Lamu Beach Hotels, Resorts & Island Houses

Lamu Island Accommodation (Kenya)

(Lamu Islands a part of the Lamu Archipelago Six Islands in the Indian Ocean in Kenya and is 30 minutes by Air from Malindi and about 1½ hour’s flight from Nairobi)

Lamu Hotels, Lodges and accommodation. Lamu Island; Lamu Archipelago is a beautiful string of six islands in the Indian Ocean close to Kenya’s North Coast. The six islands that make up the Lamu Archipelago are: Lamu, Manda, Pate, Kiwayu and Manda Toto.

Lamu town and the island of Lamu are situated on the north coast of Kenya, a distance of 320 Kilometers from Mombasa by road. Scheduled hours of traveling time take approximately 8 Hours.

Lamu town is the largest town on Lamu Island, which in turn is a part of the Lamu Archipelago in Kenya. Lamu is Kenya’s oldest living town and was one of the original Swahili settlements along coastal East Africa.

The Lamu archipelago is 30 minutes flight from Malindi and Nairobi to Lamu is about 1½ hour’s flight. The airport is on Manda Island. Access to Lamu Island is only possible by boat. The town is linked to the mainland and to the three other small islands of Kiwayu, Manda and Kiunga by waterways.

Air travelers land at the airstrip on the Manda Island and then proceed by boat to Lamu. Lamu Island can be reached by air from Malindi, Mombasa, Nairobi and Diani Beach. Flights to Lamu Island land on Manda Island which is just across the channel from Lamu. African Spice Safaris can arrange flights, transfers and hotel bookings to Lamu Island’s.

Lamu Hotels and lodges include; Lamu Banana House, Lamu Diamond Beach Village, Lamu Garden House, Lamu Kipungani Explorer Bay, Lamu Kiwayu Safari Village, Lamu Kizingo, Lamu Kizingoni Beach Houses, Lamu House, Lama Manda Bay, Lamu Palm House, Lamu Peponi Hotel, Lamu Shela Beach House Lamu, Lamu The Funzi Keys, Lamu Kipepeo Guest House, Lamu Baytil Ajaib, Lamu Jannat House, Lamu Sunsail Hotel, Lamu Palace Hotel, Lamu Petey’s Island, Lamu Stone House,Majlis Beach resort/Hotel and Lamu Island Hotel.

Kiwayu Safari Village – Kiwayu Island, Kenya

Kiwayu Safari Village Hotel; Kiwayu Safari Village Hotel is a barefoot luxury retreat located on the Kenya mainland in the most remote coast of the Kiunga Marine Reserve about 30 Miles North of Lamu Island, in a breathtakingly beautiful Bay opposite Kiwayu Island. Kiwayu, is a family owned Lodge, and was established in 1973 by Alfredo and Lisa Pelizzoli.

It is situated in a sheltered bay, on the edge of the Indian Ocean in the Kiunga Marine Reserve. Miles of deserted beaches with soft white sand and the soothing sound of waves will soon awaken the senses and lead you back to nature’s eternal rhythms.

Kiwayu Safari village Hotel bandas (18 cottages) spread along one kilometer of the sandy shoreline, built with great imagination, in the local Swahili tradition of palm thatch and woven matting floors.

The only sound you will hear is the lapping of the sea, the wind in the palms and bird song. Kiwayu Safari village Hotel bandas consists of a suite containing a spacious bedroom, a dressing area with twin basins, a shower with solar heated hot water and bidet.

Electrical lights are 24 hours. Each private thatched veranda offers you panoramic views across the lagoon from the comfort of your Swahili bed or hammock… and only a stone’s throw from the water.

Kiwayu Safari village Hotel activities include Deep Sea Fishing, Lamu Excursions, Water-skiing, Evening Dhow Cruise, Sailing, Snorkeling / creek fishing / bird watching, Windsurfing, Surfing, Kayaking and Swimming in the pool.

Nairobi to Kiwayu by air/flight takes about 1 hour 50minuts then a short drive over the dunes to the Lodge. Kiwayu Safari Village Hotel can also be reached from Lamu where there is the option of a private air charter (15 minutes) , a speed boat ( 1 hour 40 minutes ) or more romantically by dhow which will depends on the tides and winds…. may take 8 hours or more !

Funzi Keys Lodge – Funzi Island, Kenya

The Funzi Keys; Funzi Keys hotel is located on Funzi Island 70 kilometers south of Mombasa, a couple of kilometers or so out to sea off the coast from the small village of Bodo. Funzi Keys Lodge is just 15 minutes flight from Mombasa or a 2 hour road and boat transfer.

The Funzi Keys´ unique appeal is its luxurious seclusion and beautiful natural scenery. Surrounded by water and superbly located on a west-facing beach with glorious views of the African sunset, this remote and exclusive hideaway is the perfect place to escape from the outside world in style.

Funzi Keys lodge is the brainchild of a charming Swiss Alessandro Torriani, who imparts a wonderfully relaxed ambience to the place with his delightfully self-deprecating sense of humor and easy hospitality.

Funzi Keys hotel has 17 huge cottages and the best of them is the 9 Deluxe Beachfront rooms that lie sprinkled literally on the edge of the beach, with the sea at high tide almost reaching to your door allowing you to wake every morning to the gentle sound of the ocean.

The cottages themselves are enormous (possibly even too big!) with cool slate floors, a fan and open mesh covered windows allowing in the refreshing sea breezes and keeping things comfortable. Speaking of comfort, guests get to luxuriate in massive 4-poster double beds draped in white muslin.

The Funzi Keys life is relaxed and many guests do little more than unwind on the Mazeras stone deck of the 45m free-form pool with a drink while watching the local fishing dhows sail by.

For more energetic guests it is possible to enjoy sailing, creek fishing, windsurfing and canoeing or perhaps take a boat trip up the Ramisi River or Funzi Creek for an unforgettable glimpse of kingfishers, crocodiles and even dolphins! Funzi Keys hotel is an excellent base for deep-sea fishing and scuba diving in the Pemba Channel.

Kipungani Explorer Bay – Lamu, Kenya

Kipungani Explorer Resort; Kipungani Explorer Resort is reached by a flight to Manda Island and then a boat transfer to the lodge which is on the southwest of Lamu Island.

Kipungani Explorer Resort is set on the edge of a bay and at the end of a 12 kilometer long beach. Not only does this lodge offer a lovely 600 metre long beach and great swimming and snorkeling facilities, it also has a great link with the local community.

Kipungani Explorer Resort has 14 simple but comfortable wood and thatch chalets. The bathrooms are en-suite, with showers and flush toilets. Each of the chalets has a king-size bed (with mosquito netting) and the furniture is locally made from local materials such as mangrove wood and palm.

They also have a beach-facing verandah with cozy chairs from where you can sit and enjoy a sundowner.

There is a lounge and terrace with hanging moon-beds and driftwood furniture. The dining room looks out to a small garden and across to the ocean.

The meals served are usually based on freshly caught seafood. There is also a library and small shop. The electricity is from a generator, and there is marine radio connection to phones in Lamu Town.

Kipungani Explorer Resort Highlights

Great for seafood
Great links with the local community.
Isolated and scenic beachfront property
Wide range of water and land based activities

Majlis Beach Resort – Lamu, Kenya

Set on the idyllic Manda Island in the Lamu archipelago on Kenya’s Northern Coast, Majlis Beach Resort is a luxury 25 room boutique hotel with the ambience, comfort and intimacy of a private home.

A unique blend of contemporary and traditional styles, The Majlis offers the very best of Lamu. With a superb beachfront location and breathtaking views over the Ras Kitau bay and Shela village, it presents the perfect setting and ideal position from which to explore the region.

Majlis Beach Resort blends seamlessly with its island surroundings, making use of the area’s natural resources and traditions including hand-carved timber and white coral blocks.

Each of the hotel’s air-conditioned rooms is unique in character and style, and features traditionally high beamed ceilings and terraces with spectacular views of the beach, landscaped gardens or mangrove forests.

Tastefully designed and decorated to reflect the heritage of East Africa, The Majlis houses an exquisite private collection of art mixing local traditional influences with a contemporary twist.

Majlis Beach Resort Activities include:

Lamu Heritage attractions
Dhow Sailing
Snorkeling
Water sports
Excursions

Peponi Hotel – Lamu, Kenya

Peponi is situated at one end of the spectacular twelve kilometre Shela Beach on the Indian Ocean. Flanked by ancient sand dunes, the beach is one of the few remaining untouched, empty stretches of coastline in Kenya. White sands, excellent swimming and an idyllic setting for a walk at dawn or sunset.

Peponi’s charm lies in its magical ambiance. Every part of it, the architecture, the smiling staff, the sea breeze, the fresh food, the views and even the smells, create a spell that entrances.

Starting as the Korschen family house, over the past 30 years Peponi has grown into a 24-bedroom hotel offering attentive service, delicious meals and endless relaxation. Dinner is distinguished by a plethora of new ways of celebrating seafood with ginger, lime and garlic.

Peponi Hotel Activities

Beach Walking Culture Honeymoon Hotel Fishing Diving Photography Birding Cuisine Water Sport Day Tour. Discover the Lamu Old Town on foot or by donkey (cars are not allowed on the island).

Venture out to the ocean to deep-sea fish, dive or snorkel, or relax on a full moon sailing dhow boat-cruise through the archipelago. Explore the endless white sand beaches during the day and savor delicious seafood dinners in the evening.

Kizingoni Beach Houses – Lamu, Kenya

Kizingoni Beachfront Houses are situated on an un-spoilt part of Lamu, close to the southernmost tip of Lamu Island, stretching across 24 acres of spectacular golden beachfront.

Kizingoni Beach is recognized for its tropical weather, warm safe seas, friendly people and luxurious accommodation. This jewel of a property is the ideal venue for active and relaxed beach holidays whether you are a couple or a family, a group of friends or a large wedding party.

Kizingoni Beach is a collection of seven luxurious, fully furnished, privately owned, beachfront houses. Each house is exquisitely designed and has either four or five spacious rooms with large verandas to relax.

All the houses have a private pool and come with a fully equipped boat and water sports equipment. Each house is a perfect place in which to entertain in style or to simply relax with friends and family.

The friendly, experienced staff will help you plan your days while you’re cheerful and obliging house staff will invisibly make your holiday a joy. Beach barbeques, picnics and dune sundowners are organized effortlessly, as and when you decide.

Your cook will work around your tastes and timetable to provide fresh seafood, while your boat captain is available to take you anywhere you choose during daylight hours: out water skiing or fishing; to Lamu for culture; Shela for shopping; Manda Toto for snorkeling or to the mainland for a picnic or wildlife safari.

Lamu House, Lamu – Lamu, Kenya

Lamu House Hotel is located on the idyllic coastal town of Lamu, and comprises of 2 Swahili houses with a central courtyard, renovated and adapt.

Lamu House is located on the idyllic coastal town of Lamu, and comprises of 2 Swahili houses with a central courtyard, renovated and adapted to the modern use. The hotel is 10 minutes by boat from Lamu Airport.

Dining at Lamu House Hotel is quite an experience: The Chef will delight your senses with an excellent local cuisine, which blends the best local ingredients.

Abundant fresh seafood, coconut and tropical fruit are all combined with the exotic spices that have been traded along the East African coast for centuries.Lamu Moonrise Restaurant is open from 8 am to 10 pm, offers excellent a la carte menu together with a selection of wines and spirits.

Lamu House Hotel also has one Swimming pool and two plunge pools. there are numerous terraces are available where guests can enjoy life at the pace of Lamu: where time seems to have stopped a hundred years ago.

Lamu House also has two dhows – traditional Swahili sailing boat renovated by Lamu House available for day/night excursions to discover the superb beaches of the archipelago, during which the crew will prepare an excellent lunch with fresh-caught fish. Snorkeling equipment and fishing lines are at your disposal on board.

Shela House – Lamu, (Part of Shela Houses) Kenya

Shela house is one of Shela Houses located in Lamu, Kenya. Shela house is built on three floors around an open courtyard, the house well and an ancient gardenia.

The entrance hall leads into the courtyard, edged by a baraza sitting and eating area. Two staircases lead to the upper rooms.

Shela house has five ensuite bedrooms – three double bedrooms, another with two large four-poster single beds and a smaller single bedroom. There is also a nursery room. A second floor dayroom and terrace provide additional lounging areas. Most time is spent relaxing on the two rooftops.

Palm House – Lamu, (Part of Shela Houses) Kenya

Palm House is one of Shela Houses located in Lamu, Kenya designed to offer visitors a completely relaxing holiday in unusually luxurious yet eco-friendly setting.

Palm House is designed around an open courtyard. The living and dining areas look onto the courtyard and another small side garden. It is spacious, yet compact – two doubles and one twin bedroom on the first floor, one double master bedroom on the second floor, all ensuite with private balconies.

Palm House second floor has an open terrace, which leads off to a small covered baraza area in front of the fourth bedroom. This master bedroom has a Lamu four-poster bed and balconies on two sides.

There is a panoramic view from the covered rooftop, with a bar, sun beds and baraza lounging area.

Beach House – (Part of Shela Houses) Lamu, Kenya

Beach house is one of Shela Houses located in Lamu, Kenya built on three floors around an open courtyard, the house well and an ancient gardenia. The entrance hall leads into the courtyard, edged by a baraza sitting and eating area. Two staircases lead to the upper rooms.

Beach house has five ensuite bedrooms – three double bedrooms, another with two large four-poster single beds and a smaller single bedroom.

There is also a nursery room. A second floor dayroom and terrace provide additional lounging areas. Most time is spent relaxing on the two rooftops.

Garden House – (Part of Shela Houses) Lamu, Kenya

Garden house is one of Shela Houses located in Lamu, Kenya. A small house situated on the edge of Shela Village, alongside the dunes that fringe the long stretch of Shela beach. It stands on the corner of a small walled garden and is screened by large neem trees full of birds

Garden house house has a ground floor dining and seating area and a shaded rooftop baraza (traditional sitting area) with an open terrace and sun beds. On two floors there are two doubles and one twin bedroom. From the rooftop in front of the master bedroom you can enjoy the view into the garden.

Jambo House – Lamu, Kenya

Jambo House Guest House Lamu is accessed via Manda Island Airport or at the Bus Terminal in Mokowe. From there it’s just a 15 minute boat ride to Lamu Town. Jambo House consists of 5 friendly in Lamu Style furnished rooms with mosquito net, ceiling fan and have private bathrooms.

Jambo House is a small guesthouse with only 5 rooms: (2) self-contained, (2) with outside bathroom/toilet (private/not shared) and (1) with integrated shower but outside toilet (private/not shared)

Breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace with a good view of Lamu Town. There are also sun beds available to relax. Part of the house is connected to solar power.

Fatuma’s Tower Boutique Hotel Lamu, Kenya

Fatuma’s Tower Guest House Lamu invites you to the home of Gillies and Fiammetta Turle, who want you to feel at ease and experience the peace and comfort of this tranquil space. More than a guest house they refer to it as their house for guests – a hidden corner of the world where you can find time for yourself.

Fatuma’s Tower Guest House Lamu is named after Fatuma Abu Bakar a Swahili noblewoman who lived in this sanctuary attended by five female slaves until the end of the 19th century.

After her death and the abolition of slavery the house fell into ruins and the magnificent tamarind tree growing in the courtyard established itself in the ruins of the fallen masonry.

Forodhani Beach House Lamu – Lamu, Kenya

Forodhani Beach House Lamu is located on the Lamu Archipelago about 470 km southeast of Nairobi, in the Indian Ocean.

The three-storied house stands directly on the 12 km white pristine sand beach with a garden, a swimming pool, terraces, outdoor lounging and dining areas. Stunning sea views on Indian Ocean. Enjoy one of your best holidays ever!

The easiest and fastest way to get to Forodhani Beach House Lamu is by air. Several airlines serve Lamu/Manda airport, which is located on the island just opposite the house.

From Nairobi the flight is only an hour. Forodhani House is situated on the beach and jetty of the fishermen village of Shela, in the archipelago and on the island of Lamu, just off the Kenyan coast.