Jannah Lamu

23/10/2024

There are few places in the world where you can wander around on foot, carefree day or night. Where donkeys (not cars) can cause the odd traffic jam, and where you can pass discerning travellers and Maasai warriors on the same bougainvillea-lined alley way. Where a boat ride ideally starts and ends a day, where the beach stretches for more than 13kms, and where the locals can teach you a thing or two about slowing right down.

There is actually no place like Lamu...

To experience this special stretch of Kenya, check in to one of our fresh apartments or spacious suites. Email [email protected] or WhatsApp +254 727 000686

21/10/2024

Our short and long-term guests are placed in the capable and caring hands of our Property Manager, Linet. She is a Kenyan local with a love for hospitality and Lamu, and she will ensure your time is both comfortable and memorable.

To make a holiday booking or to make Lamu your home for a few weeks or months, contact Linet using the contact details in our bio.

16/09/2024

Here on Lamu Island, and within the Islamic culture, variations of henna dye are used on special occasions to decorate the hands, arms and feet of Swahili women.

Authentic henna dye is made from a powdered leaf mixed with water and the juice of limes. It is then drawn onto the skin over a series of successive applications to ensure that the henna does not fade too soon. These designs are like works of art.

15/09/2024

A gentle morning amidst the mangroves, dipping in the cool water, sipping on strong coffee, is perhaps the most magical way to start the day in the Lamu Archipelago.

Set off on one of our traditional dhows, refurbished for utmost comfort.

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08/09/2024

The Tawka Ruins, dating back to the 15th century, are among the largest archaeological sites in the Lamu coastal region. Located on Manda Island, this ancient Swahili village was once a thriving trading post. Today, it is protected by the National Museums of Kenya.

These ruins are easily accessed by boat, just a 30-minute cruise through the mangroves. We can arrange the excursion for you on board one of our traditional dhow boats.

Photo credit
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07/09/2024

Journalist visited us in Shela village earlier this year and penned her adventure for the pages of Travel and Luxury Magazine. During these days together, had the opportunity to share with Gisela a side of the Archipelago deeply routed in the richness of Lamu's past, something that Anna is working earnestly to preserve. Tap the 'Press Coverage' link in our bio to read the full article.

28/08/2024

14/08/2024

Swahili doors are not only works of art but also cultural icons, each symbolising a family's origins, line of trade, and even wealth status. Who would have thought that an entrance to a home could say so much about a household or be so unique. The Swahili can tell you, "kila mlango na ufunguwo wake" (every door has its key).

12/08/2024

Our more paired-back suites in Beta Crusis, affectionately referred to as "Pink House", also offer accommodation in the heart of Shela village with added comforts and conveniences. The spacious suites with self-catering kitchens include access to the rooftop, with ample pockets to park off with a good book or board game.

09/08/2024

You've only truly experienced Lamu once you've set sail on the surrounding waters. Sunset on board one of our traditional dhows is surreal.

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07/08/2024

Our seven suites across two buildings have been designed and styled by , each with an individual flare - decorated with pieces made from all over Africa and sourced over time.

www.jannahlamu.com

31/07/2024

The Jannah experience starts from the moment you land at Manda Airport, where we pick you up in our wooden taxi-boat, Tamra. Lamu Archipelago life revolves around these water, a short distance between the airport and our home in Shela village.

A number of airlines fly between Nairobi and Manda Airport daily. Getting here is easy. Unwinding here? Priceless

29/07/2024

Lamu Town was first established 700 years ago on the backs of donkeys, making it one of East Africa's oldest towns and a UNESCO heritage site.

While Lamu Island still has almost no cars, nearly 3,000 donkeys can be found today transporting goods or people along the sandy stretches, or in the narrow, winding streets.

25/07/2024

Dreamy scenes of Shela, captured by , our seaside village on Lamu that dates back many, many moons. Here, you will get a great sense of sweet Swahili life.

22/07/2024

Downstairs, our stocks a range of locally made fashion and homeware pieces, curated by . Find a fresh island outfit or get gifts to take back home. Our boutique is open from 10am - 6pm, Tuesday - Sunday.

19/07/2024

The Swahili people, particularly in Lamu, are known for the accomplishments of their craftmen and women who have passed down their skills through generations. The seasonal winds that brought traders from the Arab world, India, China, and Europe also spawned the exchange of ideas, materials, and techniques. This, together with essential influences from the mainland, combined to generate creativity in the unique Swahili heritage that is seen today.

Wander the streets of Shela or Lamu Old Town and discover an array of carvers, beaders, welders, and weavers.

www.jannahlamu.com

11/07/2024

"Be with people in their place, allow them the space to allow you to travel in a way that you really should, which is to let go of all those things you think you need and rather allow someone else to bless you with showing you their world.

That's what I wish for every guest - that beyond what our Jannah offers, there are people and experiences everywhere here that will take you to another world and truly touch you. And if you don't get transformed by it, it will be a miracle." -

www.jannahlamu.com

06/07/2024

Amidst a wonderful wave of coverage, highlighted Jannah in a recent article featuring "Eight Incredible Hotels Across Africa".

Jannah is a love letter to the Lamu of 's Kenyan childhood and the Swahili culture, and we can't wait to share the magic of the archipelago with you.

Visit our press page to read the full write-up.
www.jannahlamu.com

26/06/2024

There are ways to end days in the Lamu Archipelago - afloat one of our restored dhow boats is one of them. Sunset sail up the Takwa Mangrove Creek before turning back to see the sun sink into the dunes behind Shela.

We love this photograph of drenched in golden light, beautifully captured by .thane

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25/06/2024

Beautiful beaded pots and shell-strung bowls by can be found in our , adding a touch of African artistry to your interior or exterior space.

Styled in our Penthouse, four floors high in Shela.
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20/06/2024

Rising with the sun, waking with fresh fruit and strong coffee, and jumping into the channel to swim, drift, swim...

Start your day in Lamu with our Morning Swim Club.
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15/06/2024

Our Jannah features in the latest issue of the Vogue Turkey Wedding Magazine, highlighting our hotel constellation as a leading honeymoon destination. This and more...

Thank you to Şebnem Denktas for the story
www.jannahlamu.com

13/06/2024

Life on the water is an integral part of the Lamu experience, whether that's catching first light to take a refreshing dip amidst the mangroves or savouring last light with a chilled drink in hand. The adventurous voyage further into the ancient archipelago to explore, unwind and reconnect.

Book one of our carefully restored, traditional dhow boats, captained by our experienced local seamen, and sail away...

www.jannahlamu.com

11/06/2024

Our Jannah Boutique is located on the ground floor of Jannah House. It is well stocked with bestselling styles from the collection, and other bright and bold fashion and home items curated by Anna herself.

Jannah Boutique is open daily from 9am - 6pm. We can also open before or after this time by prior arrangement.

09/06/2024

The second building in our hotel constellation, Beta Crusis, features one suite and two rooms on the first floor, great for couples or a family. The suite has one double bedroom with en-suite bathroom and kitchen, while the two rooms have en-suite bathrooms with a shared kitchen and a small lounge.

Beta Crusis, affectionately known as "Pink House", has a beautiful second floor rooftop, featuring a breezy relaxation lounge and the communal dining area, where guests are served breakfast. Whether checked into Jannah House or Pink House, guests enjoy access to all communal areas of the Jannah constellation.

All suites and rooms are designed by
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