Cottages in Shela

Perfect quiet oasis to relax, to discover Shela village, to explore the beach with helpful and friendly staff

This house is palatial - It is vast with loads of lovely chill-out spaces, every room is spacious, all the bedrooms have massive en-suites, and everything is spotless and incredibly comfortable. It is a new brand build but it has been done in a tasteful traditional Swahili style (but with all mod cons). The pool was great - it has a shallow end where you can sit and cool off and a deep section where you can dive. It was extremely hot in Shela in Jan so I would say a pool was essential for a comfortable holiday at that time of year. There is a vast roof terrace where we star gazed and chatted at night. The kids had movie nights on the smart TV which meant we could relax and chat elsewhere. We were two families (4 adults and 4 kids) and we didn't even use one of the bedrooms as the place is so big. The staff were very helpful and kept the place tidy and clean at all times. We hired a chef during the visit at a very reasonable rate - we ate breakfast and dinner at home and ate out during the day - he cooked everything we requested very well and the meals were all delicious. He also did all our food shopping which was very helpful. I liked staying in the dunes behind Shela (you get to see a bit of real Shela life on the way) but it is worth knowing that the house is not right on the seafront. It takes about 10 mins to walk to the sea/cafes. However, the location is reflected in the price - it was extremely good value indeed considering it was such an amazing house.

Thanks to the housekeeper Fadir our stay was 10. We spent 3 nights in the house with all the comforts and the incredible kindness and closeness of Fadir. He gave us many recommendations like the guide Abu who show us around very professionally and close, everything was in detail. We also thank the cook Barak who came to make us breakfast and dinner, it was incredible! If we ever come back to Lamu we will come back to Umma. Asante sana!

We loved how it was so easily accessible to Lamu Town and even the shops nearby even at 11pm at night we could get from the house. The house was extremely huge we really loved it that we could move around freely. We could literally stay there forever Lamu is indeed so beautiful 😍 We highly recommend Makubwa House 👌

Super clean and beautiful house in the heart of Lamu, you are closed to the port and the main street. A few minutes away from the fort. It is super accessible! On top of that the staff is great with a really detailed attention in keeping the rooms tidy every single day and multiple times a day + a chef that cooked us the most delicious dishes + they arrange transport depending on your needs ! The perfect mix to just lay back and enjoy your holidays!

The house was majestic. Upon entrance it was like stepping into an oasis from the narrow, but cozy streets of Lamu Town. The architecture was stunning and its aesthetics and functionality impressive. As the house is glass and roof free the natural ventilation was a constant fresh and cool breeze in 30 degrees celsius weather. The house help Jamuhuri had the kindest soul. Everything felt safe and it always felt like coming home because he was there. The house was always clean and Jamuhuri was always ready to help with anything we needed. Asante sana!