Accommodation in Lamu tends to fall into two categories, and where you choose says a lot about the kind of trip you want. In Old Town itself, many boutique hotels occupy restored traditional Swahili townhouses — thick coral-stone walls, carved wooden doors, open courtyards and rooftop terraces — putting you inside the UNESCO-listed heart of the town, a short walk from the museum, markets and waterfront.
A short boat ride or beach walk away, Shela village offers a different pace: quieter, more beach-oriented, backed by a long stretch of sand dunes and the open ocean, with boutique hotels and beach houses that lean into a barefoot-luxury aesthetic popular with longer-staying visitors and repeat guests.
Choosing where to base yourself
- Old Town puts culture, markets and the museum on your doorstep, with dhow trips easy to arrange from the waterfront.
- Shela suits travellers prioritising beach time and a quieter, more residential feel.
- Many properties are restored heritage buildings — ask about the building's history, it's often part of the charm.
- Rooftop terraces are common and worth prioritising for sunset views over the town or ocean.
Whichever you choose, Lamu's lack of cars means everything within each area is walkable, and moving between Old Town and Shela by boat or along the beach is part of the experience rather than a chore.
