Subira House

Subira House in Lamu Kenya is a beautiful, peaceful house, and we were lucky to stay in the top apartment which was private, with its own balcony, and great views - very special.

The decor is simple and traditional - the eco waterless toilet has inspired me to see if I could use something similar with development projects elsewhere in Africa.

If you want beach and tourist modernities, you will need to go elsewhere, but if you want an intimate experience of Swahili culture, this is for you.

Lamu people are not always the friendliest to outsiders - its a traditional society and that has to be borne in mind - and ask before taking photos, but please DO NOT be put off by the security warnings about Lamu and Kenya in general.

Other Beach Hotels and Vacation Rentals

I felt perfectly safe in Lamu - its a main town with lots going on. There have been problems in more isolated locations nearer to the Somali border, and these are maybe best avoided - but Lamu has unfortunately and unjustifiably found itself lumped in with some of the reporting.

There are no cars on Lamu, only camels and donkeys. Its a way of life that is fast disappearing –

I highly recommend visiting the island of Lamu and I highly recommend staying at Subira House if you do. You will not be disappointed.