A small island off the coast of Kenya (and the main part of the Lamu archipelago), Lamu is a place of great beauty and tranquility. A haven for artists and writers, it is a wonderful destination for a romantic break or family holiday. With its white sandy beaches, colourful coral reefs and ancient Swahili culture, Lamu is a wonderful place to unwind. Our pick of the best places to stay in Lamu are all ideally located for soaking up the island’s charms; the majority are small intimate resorts, but we've also managed to track down a couple of charming little hotels.

Lamu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been inhabited for over a thousand years. The architecture reflects this long history with many traditional Swahili houses still standing. The narrow streets are lined with colourful markets selling everything from spices to fresh fish.

The main attraction is the Lamu Fort, which was built in the early 19th century by the Sultan of Pate. It has been beautifully restored and is well worth visiting. There are also many mosques on Lamu, including the Riyadha Mosque, which was built in 1900 and is one of the largest on the island.
The beaches are some of the most beautiful in Kenya. They are long and sandy with clear blue waters ideal for snorkelling and diving — the coral reefs surrounding Lamu are some of the best in East Africa, and there are plenty of operators offering boat trips to see them at their best.

Lamu is a great place to go if you want to get away from it all. Our pick of the best places to stay in Lamu are all wonderfully secluded hideaways offeringt a slice of laid-back barefoot luxury!

The best places to stay in Lamu

For a total hideaway

• Kizingo is a truly special hideaway located on Lamu's south west coast, set amid dunes on a long sandy beach. All of the eight palm-thatched bandas has sea views, romantic king-sized beds and a balcony for soaking up the sunsets. The restaurant offers seasonally changing, Swahili influenced menus and children are welcome. It's great value too!

On Manda Island

• The Majlis Resort is a charming small hotel in a beachfront location with wonderful views over to Lamu Island. Meticulously designed, spacious rooms effortlessly combine supreme comfort and luxury. There are two pools (both with great views), a restaurant serving international cuisine as well as Swahili and Indian dishes, and a spa for pampering treatments.
• Manda Bay is a boutique lodge on Manda Island's northern tip. Set in a secluded palm fringed peninsula you can expect deserted beaches, coral gardens and cottages surrounded by indigenous forest. A romantic, unspoilt and idyllic beach retreat.

For Shela

• Kijani Hotel is a charming property with just ten rooms set in buildings which feature the best of Swahili architecture. Comfortable accommodations are spacious and decorated with a smattering of antiques. Plus there's a freshwater pool and rooftop restaurant for local seafood and Swahili curries.
• Peponi has long been the place to stay on Lamu. Set right on the beach in Shela, it's an intimate hotel whose rooms have been designed with a nod to the lsland's arab heritage. There's a romantic pool dining area which is perfect for honeymooners and the popular Fisherman's bar for lively evenings.

For a self catering villa or apartment

• If you think you'd prefer a self-catering property, check out the selection with our online partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Fly to Manda Airport via Nairobi, Malindi or Mombassa. Your hotel will happily organise onward travel from there.
• If you wish to hire a car, visit our partner, Rentalcars.
• There is no bad time of year to visit Lamu, but the driest seasons are between July and November and January and February. Average daily highs stay in the early 30°s year round.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include Diani Beach
• Look further afield and consider our recommendations in Zanzibar
• Contact one of our friendly gurus for advice