
Best Hotels in Lamu Island
Best Hotels in Lamu Island : Lamu is a major tourist hub and a beautiful island full of history located on the coastal region of Kenya. Lamu Island is located approximately 150 miles from Mombasa. It is part of Lamu Archipelago, known for its rich culture and is one of the towns rich in Swahili culture that have been well preserved over time and generations, it is has some of the well preserved architecture and its stunning white beaches.
Lamu is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in its Swahili cultures. The town is unique for its narrow streets which have been lined with coral stone houses which are as old as 18th century. The Lamu Swahili culture is made up of a blend of diverse cultures , it is a mixture of African , Arab and Indian traditions. Local Swahili people of Lamu are known for their warm hospitality and their general welcoming and friendliness. The town holds the Lamu Cultural festivals each year in which they showcase their traditional music , crafts , dances and their unique African traditional cuisine. Lamu is also known for its beautiful sandy beaches which is its main tourist attractions of the island best for relaxation and other water sport activities.
On Your visit to Lamu Island you will be greeted by a number of traditional made dhow, wooden sailing boats from which tourists and guests visiting the island can enjoy dhow cruises to explore the beautiful warm waters of the Indian Ocean. From the boat sails one can visit Lamu various islands and other wildlife safari excursion for marine life viewing some of marine species likely to be seen on the boat rides include dolphins and turtles. There is the mangrove forests which provide natural habitat to various wildlife and bird species.
Lamu Island is known to be one of the best safari tour destination, family safaris on holiday or even some of the perfect honeymoon holiday destinations in Kenya because of its relaxed atmosphere, tranquillity and away from the bustling city life.
Some of Lamu best accommodations
The Majlis Resort: This is a beautiful luxurious accommodations located on the beachfront. This Resort is known for offering personalised services, it rooms are elegant and its unmatched views of the Indian Ocean. It is located on Manda Island, the resort was established on pristine white sandy beaches with tranquil surroundings and lush greenery gardening that constitutes its serene and relaxing atmosphere.
The rooms of Majlis Resort are stylish and spacious with suites and private villas all of which are made up of Swahili inspired designs and equipped with modern amenities. The Resort offer diverse options in its dining restaurant from a mixture of some Swahili and international cuisine prepared from local sourced ingredients while enjoying the view of the ocean. The Resort also offer plenty of activities to be enjoyed by It’d guests such as snorkelling, dhow sailing and other water sport activities . There is also a spa and fitness centre for the guest who would wish to have a perfect relaxation and rejuvenation through special therapies a d treatments.
Majlis Resort is one of the highly booked in Lamu especially during the peak or the high season and because of that it is highly advice to book it in advance to avoid inconveniences.
Manda Bay: This is another privately owned Resort which is located on the Manda Island on the North-eastern coast of Kenya. It is known for its pristine beach and tranquil environment enabling the quests to enjoy the beauty of the Indian Ocean.
The Resort is made of thatched roof cottages and equipped with modern amenities. The Resort is made up of bandas made with the structural blend of Swahili and coastal design.
Peponi Hotel: This is a boutique hotel , known for its charming Swahili designs located on the Shela Beach. It is popular choice for a relaxed holiday safari such as honeymoon holidays because of its relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. It looks beautiful with its pristine white sands and clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

Peponi Hotel offers a wide range of rooms such as suites, standard rooms to deluxe rooms which have been uniquely been decorated with coastal themes. Majority of the Peponi Hotel rooms have perfect Ocean views and private balconies. The restaurant serves some of the sea delicious meals captured by the local fishermen. Some of the activities offered at Peponi Hotel include snorkelling, fishing excursions, dhow sailing trips and also a visit to Lamu Town.
Kizingo lodge. This is a lodge located on the southern end of Lamu Island Kenya. It is an eco-friendly lodge that offers off the beaten path making it a perfect destination for guest who wish to experience the immersive escape , beautiful beachfront and personalized services. It is a perfect choice for nature enthusiasts who would wish to submerge themselves in nature.
Kizingo lodge have its lodges traditionally thatched with its cottages made from suitable materials that seamlessly blend with the natural environment while providing modern comfort.
Kizingo lodge offer wide range of activities for its guests from which they can enjoy and explore the natural beauty of Lamu Island. Some of the activities offered at Kizingo lodge are Nature walks , Dhow sailing, kayaking and snorkelling. There are also organised cultural visits to the nearby villages. Each Banda at Kizingo lodge has a perfect view of the Indian Ocean allowing its guest to relax and the beauty of the warm Indian Ocean waters.
Diamond Beach village: This is an ideal destination for nature lovers .It is a family run eco-friendly lodge with rustic beachfront experience. It is a budget friendly beach property with huts, bandas , a restaurant and a bar with great oceanic views. Diamond Beach village bandas are traditionally roof thatched which look simple yet comfortable. It is located on the remote and secluded area away from the busy Lamu Island. It has a private beach from which it’s guest can enjoy the sand and sun on a personalized level in an informal and relaxed way.
Diamond Beach village offer several water based activities such as fishing excursions, dhow sailing trips and snorkelling.
Fatuma’s Tower: This is another intimate and unique boutique hotel which is located in Lamu Town, Kenya. This is an accommodation facility which is regarded as a cultural charming with historic structures and personalized services.
Fatuma’s Tower is located just at the heart of UNESCO World Heritage Site , the Lamu Old Town. It is also known for its warm welcoming atmosphere and great amazing and personalized services provided by their trained and professional staff.
Fatuma’s tower have several activities to be enjoyed by its guests such as cultural visits excursions and guided tour visits around Lamu allowing the guests to experience the first hand local culture and traditions by interacting with the locals.
The rooms here are fitted with high framed beds with white cotton bedsheets. The walls are painted white and the ceilings one can see the exposed timber beams. There is a writing desk, side lamps with the floors being locally polished. Each bed is fitted with a mosquito nets that are prepared each day before the dusk.
Subira House: This is a guesthouse located in Lamu Town. It is one of the budget-friendly and comfortable accommodations options available within the Lamu Town. The guest here can enjoy the town’s narrow streets, explore its historical buildings and the local markets. The guesthouse structure includes intricately carved doors, arched windows and a courtyard available for relaxation.
The rooms are available in variety of options to choose from, both made to offer different guest needs such as family sized rooms. The rooms are always kept clean and well maintained to offer a pleasant memorable stay.
Lamu House Hotel: Lamu House Hotel is located in the heart of Lamu Town, making it one of the easily accessible accommodations in the historic rich town . The guest can explore the historic structures in the town, the local markets and experience the raw diverse cultures of the town.
The hotel has varied of well maintained and clean rooms to chose from and according to the guests wish and preferences ranging from single rooms, double rooms and suites which all are designed to reflect the Swahili culture of the region. These are just some of the best available accommodations options that awaits guest who would wish to visit and explore what Lamu has in store for them.
