Samaki House Lamu

Imagine...

Imagine another world where people have time to greet you, imagine streets where cars don't exist, add to this image the Indian Ocean, Dhow sails, Palm fonds, and a unique Swahili cultural heritage and Voila you have stepped from dream into acheiveable reality. Yes, it does really exist - this is Lamu one of the best kept secrets on the African Coast. "Welcome" and "Welcome Again" as they say in Kishawhili because after being there once you'll always want to come back - and when you arrive you'll be sure there will be a smile to greet you.

A unique Swahili Mansion....

Samaki House is a lovingly restored 300yr Arab Merchants Mansion - a beautiful and outstanding relic from when Lamu Town served as a wintering point for Arab trading Dhows. The property overlooks the waterfront with its coming and goings of Sailing Dhows, and other watercraft. And its multiple roof terraces make great vantage points offering a panoramic sea view and overlooking the daily pedestrian activity in the street below whilst catching the cooling breezes.

Here you can enjoy spectacular sunrises/sunsets, watch the activities of the town start for the day or fold up for the evening in a unique and luxurious ambiance. The location is remarkable, you will be living through the unique experience of life in the heart of the old town.

Two staff ensure that you have everything you need. A sailing Dhow or motorboat can be arranged from the habour for you for a daily trip to Shela beach, which is a 15min boat ride away from Lamu Town.

This classic Mansion offers perfect spacious accommodation within its 380sqm on 4 floor levels for a family group, or can serve as an ideal retreat for a honeymoon stay. Enjoy the purity and simplisitic richness of local life and enjoy the best of what is East African; appreciate another pace and another lifestyle.

Lamu Town is a UNESCO rated World Heritage status site and is the best preserved Swahili town on the African coast offering a unique and truely unforgetable holiday experience where there are no cars, with the exception of the one of the commissioners. Transportation occurs by footpower or donkey or Dhow, and the traffic jams have a human aspect to match the pace of life here off the beaten track.

The property is owned by a British Architect and a French writer and is furnished with interesting antiques and artifacts, offering a relaxing environment to the discerning traveller

The ambiance is that of a luxury home with many of the facilities of an hotel. Interiors are light and airey, and there are plenty of private places to retreat from the heat.

Theres a great entertaining space on the Main roofterrace to lounge your way through another Lamu day in style watching the fisherman come home with their catches, and the commerce of the town occur.