Stay at JamboHouse Lamu

At JamboHouse Lamu, we offer a friendly and authentic Lamu experience at affordable rates. Our five comfortable rooms are furnished in a simple, traditional Lamu style and are designed to provide everything you need for a relaxed stay.

All rooms have a private bathroom (three guest rooms are self-contained and two guest rooms have their bathroom via the corridor), mosquito net and ceiling fan, together with an additional stand or tower fan to keep you comfortable in Lamu's tropical climate.

Breakfast is included in our standard rate. If guests don´t take breakfast you can book our bed only rate.

Your Local Lamu Experts

We want you to experience more than just your accommodation. When you arrive, we provide you with a map and practical information to help you discover and enjoy Lamu Island.

We can also help arrange boat trips, dhow excursions and other activities with local captains and guides whom we have known personally for many years. This means you can enjoy Lamu with people we trust and who know the island, its waters and its traditions.

Whether you want to explore Lamu's historic streets, visit Shela Beach, take a sunset dhow trip, discover local villages or simply relax on the rooftop terrace, we are here to help you make the most of your stay.

Perfectly Located in the Heart of Lamu Town

One of the great advantages of staying at JamboHouse Lamu is our location. We are ideally situated for exploring the historic Old Town of Lamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. As we are located on the highest point there is also a good view over Lamu Town.

From JamboHouse, it is only about a three-minute walk through the atmospheric narrow lanes to Mkunguni Square, the main meeting place in the heart of Lamu Town. Here you will find the historic Lamu Fort, one of the town's most recognizable landmarks.

Just a few minutes further on, you reach the Lamu seafront, with its restaurants, cafés, shops and busy waterfront atmosphere. The seafront is a wonderful place to watch the traditional dhows and boats coming and going while experiencing everyday life on the island.

Everything you need during your stay is close by. Within easy walking distance you will find small local shops, banks and ATMs, airline and bus offices, restaurants and museums.

From the Old Town to Shela Beach

One of Lamu's highlights is the spectacular 13-kilometre (8-mile) sandy beach at Shela, backed by beautiful sand dunes.

There are several ways to get there from JamboHouse:

• _ Walk along the seafront – a pleasant walk of approximately 40–45 minutes.
• _ Take a motorbike taxi – a quick and convenient option from the seafront.
• _ Take a small boat – approximately 20 minutes, depending on the boat.

We recommend taking the boat at least once. Seeing Lamu Town from the water gives you a completely different perspective and is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the island.

Our rates are for the whole room (two guests) and include full breakfast (with fresh juice, fruits, a choice of eggs / omelette / pancake / French Toast, bread, jam and coffee / tea) on our rooftop terrace. Afternoon time we provide free coffee / tea for our guests.

NEW: If separate beds are required, we can put a second (single) bed in the room, if necessary. Please let us know in advance, because we have only 1 extra bed.

Season A: from 15th April 2027 till 30th June 2027

Season B: till 14th April 2027 and from 1st July 2027

Lamu Cultural Festival (26th to 28th November) and Christmas Season (24th December till 1st January: 500 KES/night surcharge

A single room is 400 KES / night less than a double room.

Minimum stay: 2 nights

NEW: One night stays are now possible for an additional charge of 500 KES on top of our standard/bed only rate.

Videos of our rooms on Youtube:

Room Lamu: https://youtu.be/Vjz0LIaE1Vs

Room Matondoni:  https://youtube.com/shorts/NWHnkR7ZrMs

Room Shela: https://youtu.be/Ap4p0SqQO04

Room Kipungani: https://youtu.be/lEQG97-fhc

Room Manda: https://youtu.be/6L-UkA_h2nk

News: We have free Wi-Fi internet for our guests.            For the toilets we use rain water (if available).

Stay Longer, Enjoy More of Lamu

Lamu is the kind of place where a few days can easily turn into a week — and we would love for you to stay a little longer.

Stay 7 nights and get your 8th night FREE
or
Stay 5 nights and receive 10% OFF your stay.

Planning a longer escape from the European winter? Get in touch with us for a special long-stay offer. We are happy to create an attractive rate for guests who would like to stay with us for several weeks or longer.

Take your time, slow down and experience Lamu at its best. We look forward to welcoming you to JamboHouse Lamu!

NEW   NEW   NEW   NEW   NEW   NEW   NEW   NEW   NEW   NEW   NEW   NEW 

Ask Arnold - Your Personal Lamu Expert @ JamboHouse Lamu

My name is Arnold, and I've been operating JamboHouse Lamu since 208. Over the years, we've welcomed guests from all over the world and have consistently received excellent reviews on the major booking platforms.

I love travelling and have visited almost 80 countries. Within Kenya, I have explored nearly every corner of the country—from Kiwayu Island to Wasini Island, from Mombasa to Lake Victoria and both the eastern and western shores of Lake Turkana. I've visited almost all of Kenya's national parks and hiked many of its highest mountains.

I always say: "Lamu is the best place on the Kenyan Coast because it offers both culture and beautiful beaches." Lamu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while Shela Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Kenya.

Because I live here, I know the Lamu Archipelago well, and I'd like to help you make the most of your visit.

Simply tell me:

• your travel dates
• the number of travellers
• your interests
• your budget
• where you plan to stay (Lamu Town, Shela or Manda)
• whether you prefer a relaxing holiday or an active one

Based on your preferences, I'll create a personalised Lamu itinerary just for you.

Depending on your interests, I'll recommend the best dhow trips, sunset spots, beaches, restaurants (local food, seafood, vegetarian options and the best biryani), cafés, cultural experiences, walking routes and sports activities. I'll also advise you on how to organise your days efficiently so you can make the most of your time in Lamu.

Price: only KES 1,500 per itinerary.

FREE for all guests staying at JamboHouse Lamu, whether you book directly through our website or via Booking.com or Agoda.

For JamboHouse Lamu guests, I'll ask a few questions before your arrival so I can prepare your personalised recommendations in advance. If your booking has been fully paid, I'll happily send your itinerary by WhatsApp or email before you travel. Otherwise, we'll go through it together during check-in.

You'll also receive my regularly updated Lamu Map, which many guests have found extremely helpful during their stay.

If you wish, I can also help arrange trusted local guides for walking tours, dhow trips and other activities.

Independent recommendations. I recommend what I genuinely believe is best for you—not what pays the highest commission. As a traveller myself, I believe honest advice is the best way to help you enjoy Lamu.