Amu House Lamu
Know Before You Go
Quick IntelEstimated Cost
Mid-range; rates vary by season and room type, typically ranging from KSH 8,000 to 15,000 per night.
Best For
Travelers seeking an authentic, centrally located Swahili heritage experience in the heart of Lamu Old Town.
Access & Logistics
Located in pedestrian-only Old Town; staff coordinate airport boat transfers, and M-Pesa is widely accepted for local services.
Operating Hours
Reception is open daily 24/7; check-in and check-out times are flexible upon request.
Editor's Review
Amu House is a traditional Swahili guesthouse nestled in the heart of Lamu Old Town, offering an immersive stay within a UNESCO World Heritage site. Access is strictly by boat to the island followed by a short walk through the narrow, car-free streets, so pack light to navigate the sandy, unpaved paths easily.
For a budget-friendly alternative or a deeper dive into local culture, explore the nearby Lamu Museum or simply spend an afternoon at the public seafront benches to observe the dhow traffic—a free and iconic island experience.
The Cost: Rates are generally mid-range, typically starting from KSH 8,000 to 15,000 per night depending on the season. It is advisable to confirm total costs including any service charges or airport transfer fees directly with the management prior to arrival.
The Experience: Staying here feels like living in a piece of history. The terrain is entirely pedestrian, consisting of narrow, sandy, and stone-paved alleys that require comfortable walking shoes. Expect a high-energy, sensory experience as you navigate the bustling town, followed by a quiet retreat on the rooftop terrace.
What you can get: Highlights include authentic Swahili-style architecture, lush interior courtyards filled with plants, delicious daily breakfasts featuring fresh local juices, and highly personalized service from staff who facilitate seamless island logistics.
Amu House balances the charm of traditional Lamu living with modern hospitality. While room sizes can vary, the central location and the staff's dedication to environmental and cultural preservation make it a strong choice for those wanting to experience the true spirit of the island.
More Details
Explorer Ken's Advice
"Book a walking tour with Mohamed to navigate the labyrinthine alleys of Old Town and learn the history behind the architecture."
Things to Consider
Rooms can be compact and experience high temperatures; clarify room size and ventilation preferences before booking to ensure comfort.
Feedback
Top Google Reviews
David Saville
I have been visiting Lamu every year for over 10 years, I discovered Amu House about 4 years ago, and have been spending a few weeks here each year ever since. Clean comfortable accommodations, friendly staff, Alex and Mohamed will take care of you, reasonable prices, great location, with delicious breakfasts. In many ways, this guest house is typical, and traditional, for Lamu. One of the things that really sets it apart is that the owners are actively engaged in preserving Lamu's history, as well as cleaning up the local environment through recycling initiatives, and helping to restore mangrove forests, among other civic engagements.This is really the place to stay.
hsiuling chiang
I stayed at Amu House during my visit to Lamu Island, and it was an excellent experience from start to finish. Everything was well-organized — clear communication, smooth airport pick-up, and thoughtful arrangements throughout my stay. The house itself is beautiful, clean, and filled with lush plants, right in the heart of the Old Town. Breakfast was delicious, especially the fresh juice. Highly recommend staying at Amu House for a comfortable and authentic Lamu island experience.
Shiva
We came to Amu House when our Airbnb host didn't reply and suddenly we urgently needed a place to stay. We took a room at Amu House and in the first moments everything seemed fine but when we spent time in the room we realized that it's very small, very hot and completely overpriced for Lamu. We checked out next day and found a much better place with much more spacious and cleaner rooms for 1/4 of the Amu price. That's how we can say that Amu House is a rip off, the place is owned by a foreigner not a person from Lamu, charging way too much. The only highlight of our stay was Alex, the stuff who was at all times superkind and made us feel at home despite the described bad experience.
Bea Alexandra Wintschnig
I LOVED my stay at Amu House Lamu. Its interior is wonderful and you can see somebody has put thought into it. The staff is super friendly and accommodating, they let me check out late without extra cost. The location is also perfect since it's almost at the seafront. The terrace is super nice to chill as well. Overall, it's just really good value for money and I would recommend this place wholeheartedly!
Amanda Dinan
Centrally located in Old Lamu Town - both the accommodation and the town offer unique experience of Swahili heritage. Loved the views from the rooftop and from my bedroom patio. The team are warm and friendly and go the extra mile. A walking tour of the town with Mohamed is definitely recommended.
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