Centuries-old Swahili stone houses with rooftop terraces in Lamu and Shela — no cars, just dhows and donkeys — booked direct and paid by M-Pesa.
Lamu is a living Swahili town and UNESCO World Heritage site — car-free lanes, dhows on the water and coral-stone houses with cool inner courtyards and rooftop madhabau seating. Renting a whole house here, often with a cook and housekeeper, is the classic Lamu experience.
On Short Stays Kenya you book direct from the house owner and pay by M-Pesa. Fly into Manda airstrip and a short boat ride brings you across.
The beach village — chic stone houses, the famous 12km dune beach and Peponi's. Where most visitors want to stay.
The historic heart — markets, the fort and the seafront. Atmospheric, central and closest to Lamu life.
Quiet houses across the channel with big sea views — private and serene, a short boat hop from town.
Typical nightly rates for holiday home in Lamu. Prices vary by season, location and size.
Book with an M-Pesa STK push straight to the host. No cards, no foreign-payment friction.
We charge hosts a subscription, not a 15–20% commission — so prices stay fair.
Funds go directly to the host's till. Short Stays Kenya never holds your money.
Fly Nairobi/Mombasa to Manda airstrip, then a short boat transfer to Lamu or Shela. Hosts arrange the boat pickup.
Many Lamu houses come with a cook and housekeeper included — it's part of the experience. Each listing says what's included.
Yes — pay the owner directly by M-Pesa, no booking fee.
November's Lamu Cultural Festival and the drier months (Dec–Mar, Jun–Oct) are ideal. Book early around the festival.
Trip-planning: Lamu travel & accommodation guide
Short Stays Kenya lists verified local hosts in Lamu — book direct and deal with the host, no middleman markup. We’re onboarding Lamu hosts now.
Are you a host in Lamu? List your short-stay, villa or guest house on Short Stays Kenya, get your own branded booking page and take payments direct by M-Pesa, and keep your pricing — no 15–20% commission.
Tell us your dates and group — we'll match you with stone houses in Shela and Lamu Town. Book direct, pay by M-Pesa.