Jannah Lamu is a collection of three apartments restored and decorated by fashion designer Anna Trzebinski. Jannah follows Anna’s previous project, Nairobi Eden, her longtime home turned boutique hotel that’s known for its quality and intimacy, and Jannah — meaning ‘paradise’ in Arabic — is no different, promising to live up to its name in every kind of way.
It offers travellers an intimate experience of village life and serves as an ideal base from which to explore the archipelago. Light and airy with Swahili-style furnishings and mahogany-carved window frames throughout, the space itself is simple yet luxurious, and centres around a spectacular rooftop terrace from which visitors can gather, share meals and enjoy the views. Guests can also access three restored Mozambiquan Dhows and a teak taxi boat for sunrise or sunset sailing, swimming in the mangrove channels and exploring the nearby islands.
Archipelago Penthouse Suite
Kizingitini Suite
Pate Suite
Faza Suite
Kiwayu Room
Mkokoni Room
Siyu Suite
Suitable for age 12+ only. The space. Contemporary Swahili Chic in the heart of Shela . This brand-new building sits on the old village square.
Located in the old village square of Shela on the island archipelago of Lamu,
Nestled in the southeast corner of Lamu Island in the laidback village of Shela
There are two one-bedroom suites and two two-bedroom suites, a spacious penthouse suite on the fourth floor, and a two-bedroom apartment on the first floor, all connected by shared communal areas. Guests have access to two shared rooftop terraces with lounging areas, a communal dining area to gather and share meals and a traditional scented garden.
Archipelago Penthouse Suite
Kizingitini Suite
Pate Suite
Faza Suite
Kiwayu Room
Kiwayu Room is a fully serviced individual bedroom located on the 1st floor, with a kitchenette and small lounge area shared with Mkokoni Room. Guests can enjoy dining on the rooftop of the building, which also offers a beautiful rooftop lounging area. The bedroom offers a double bed with ensuite bathroom, ceiling fan, and additional standing fan (no A/C). The bedroom and the small living area have private verandas and picturesque village views
Siyu Suite
Siyu Suite is a fully serviced one bedroom suite on the 1st floor of Jannah Pink House with its own fully equipped kitchen, spacious living room and dining space on the rooftop terrace. The bedroom includes a double bed with ensuite bathroom, ceiling fan and additional standing fans (no A/C). The bedroom and living room feature private verandas and village views.
As well as the obvious attraction of Shela Village’s isolated white sand beaches, Jannah Lamu is also just a short boat ride away from the historic Lamu Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and offers all the best in island activities, such as snorkelling, diving, sunrise swimming in the mangrove channels, sunset sails along the coast and day trips to nearby islands. It’s worth noting that guests of Jannah have access to Anna’s exclusive black book of local secrets.
Whale Watching
Swimming With Dolphins
Kite Surfing
Watersports
Fishing
Reiki Healing Massage
Acupuncture
Sports/Deep Tissue Massage
Natural Lamu Beauty Spa
Guided Fasting
Yoga at Bananna House
Manda Sound Bath
Thai Massage & Private Yoga
Alternative Healing
Gym and Fitness Studio
Explore Lamu Town
Others in the archipelago include: –
Siyu Fort,
Takwa Ruins,
Boni – Dodori National Reserve,
Lamu Old Town
Kiunga Marine National Reserve
Safari Doctors & Safari Vets
Lamu Marine Conservation Trust
Traditional Shamba (Farm) Visit
The Dhows {Our beautifully restored hardwood sail boats} For your comfort and safety, Noor and Al Aina have a maximum capacity of 8 passengers, while Khatun has a maximum capacity of 10 passenger
Shorter Excursions
Morning Swim Club with Healthy Refreshments
Take a sunrise boat ride to the mangrove channel or Simba Rongwe or
Manda Islands for an early morning swim. Our refreshments include
Arabic coffee, dates and water. Timing of this trip is tide dependent. If
the water in the channel is too low, then we swim near our Island or
Simba Rongwe/Manda.
It is a 2-hour excursion, tide depending. Maximum 8 people. KES10 000 for up to 6 people, KES2 000 for each extra person.
Sunset Sail
Watch the sun set over Lamu Island whilst sailing in the channel or
along the shores of Manda Island. Maximum 8 people. KES10 000 for up to 4 people, KES2 000 for each extra person.
Full Moon Sail
Watch the moon rise over Manda Island whilst sailing in the channel or
along the shores of Lamu, Manda. Traditional Swahili snacks and water
included. Departs 5.00pm promptly to not miss the moon rise.
4 hour excursion, 5pm – 9pm. Maximum 8 people. KES15 000 for up to
4 people, KES2 500 for each extra person.
Sunset Sail with Beach BBQ
followed by Moonlight or Starry Night Sail
Set sail as the sun dips below the horizon then watch the moon rise
over Manda Island whilst sailing in the channel or along the shores of
Lamu and Manda. Land on a beach and enjoy a mixed Swahili Seafood
Beach BBQ with a bar (drinks can be ordered and paid for in advance). Departure is at 5pm promptly to not miss the moon rise.
4/6-hour excursion. USD$400 for up to 4 people, USD$100 for each
extra person
Magical Day Excursions
Manda Bay with lunch at Manda Bay Lodge (only for in-house guests)
Sail from Shela through the channels to magical Manda Bay and spend
the day in these beautiful waters. Take your lunch at the restaurant of
the famous Manda Bay Lodge (please note that you will not be
permitted on the island unless you have a confirmed lunch reservation, prices start from US$50 per person, drinks are not included).
We will make the reservation on your behalf. Departure from Manda Bay is 3pm and the trip is also tide dependent as the channels dry out on
spring tides. Maximum 8 people. KES25 000 for 4 people. KES2 500 for each extra person
Kipungani with lunch at The Cabanas (only for in-house guests)
Sail from Shela through the channel to Kipungani and spend the day in these beautiful waters. Enjoy your lunch at The Cabanas where you can relish in the eclectic beach bar, and savor delicious cocktails, expertly crafted coffees, and fresh cuisine. The set menu features popular choices like the “catch of the day” with chips, a delightful salad, and the renowned homemade banana ice-cream. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, along with sumptuous Swahili fish curries for larger groups.
A flat fee of USD$30 per person grants access to a delightful 2-course meal and the exclusive top deck restaurant with a rooftop pool (drinks are not included in this price). The bar operates throughout the day, offering a variety of beverages and the opportunity to partake in watersports activities. We will handle the reservation on your behalf. Departure from the Cabanas is at 3pm.
Maximum 8 people. KES25 000 for 4 people. KES2 500 for each extra
person
Full Day Boat Rental
Customize your own adventure and have one of our boats and our
crew at your disposal for the entire day.
USD$400
TAMRA BOAT
{Is our restored taxi boat. She is made of solid wood, has a 15hp engine and is beautifully decorated and equipped with swim towels and a swimming ladder. She moves at a slow pace so this is not your boat if
you are in a hurry} Boat capacity: 6 people with luggage, 10 people
without luggage
Tamra Options
Early Morning Swim
2 hour excursion. Maximum 10 people.
KES4000 for up to 6 people, KES500 for each extra person
Crossing to Manda Island
Maximum 10 people, charge is each way.
KES1 000. KES2 000 after 8pm
Trip to Lamu Town
Maximum 10 people, charge is each way.
KES2000
Trip to Takwa Ruins
4 hour round trip. Includes refreshments. Maximum 10 people.
KES4000 for up to 6 people, . KES500 for each extra person
Airport Transfer
Shela to Airport, maximum 6 people plus luggage.
USD$40
Jannah Boating Etiquette
Kindly adhering to our no tomato juice or red wine policy while on the boats.
We hope to deliver a calm, immersive experience, transporting you back in time and echoing the ancient ways of the sea (hence we do not allow speakers on our boats).
Prices are quoted in US$, at the exchange rate on the day. Please request the exchange rate at the time of payment.
Payments can be made using Kenyan Shillings or United States Dollars in cash or by credit card, or in Kenyan Shillings on Mpesa using our till number.
Please note that last-minute deals are sometimes available
on the day with Management on +254 702 049 851
Reservations are confirmed upon full payment. A full refund
will be given if cancellation occurs more than 48 hours prior
to the excursion.
Please feel free to tip your captain and crew directly. For trips that include snacks, please communicate any dietary requirements with our team.
Our boats have all been lovingly restored to the highest
standards. We hope for your time on the water to be a erene
Boat | Activity | Rate upto | Extra Pax |
4 Pax | Maximum 10 | ||
Early morning swim – 2 hours | KES4000 | KES500 | |
Tamra | Airport Transfer (max 6 pax + Luggage) | USD$40 | N/A |
Crossing to Manda Island (max 10 pax per trip) | KES1000 | N/A | |
price doubles after 8pm | |||
Trip to Takwa Ruins with refreshments 4 hours | KES8000 | KES1000 | |
Trip to Lamu Town per way (Max 10 pax per trip | KES2000 | N/A | |
Morning Swim Club with | KES10 000 | KES2000 | |
Dhows Shorter | refreshments – 2 hours tide dependent | ||
Excursions | Sunset Sail | KES10 000 | KES2000 |
Full Moon Sail with bites – 4 hours 5pm-9pm | KES15 000 | KES2500 | |
Sunset/Night Sail with Beach BBQ 4/6 hours | USD$400 | USD$100 | |
Dhows Day | Sail to Manda Bay with lunch at Manda | KES25 000 | KES2 500 |
Excursions | Bay Lodge. Lunch paid directly | ||
In-house guests only | Kipungani with lunch at The Cabanas. | KES25 000 | KES2 500 |
Lunch paid directly. | |||
Full Day Rate | USD$400s | ||
Dhow |
While designed primarily for self-catering, guests can bring in their own chef, but given Jannah’s excellent location, there are many local restaurants to explore nearby. All suites have a fully equipped kitchen and small dining space, and meals and drinks can be enjoyed on the shared rooftop terraces during the summer evenings.
Places to eat from
Traditional Eateries in Shela
World Cuisine Eateries in Shela
Traditional Eateries in Lamu
World Cuisine Eateries in Lamu
The weather in Lamu is great all year round, but to truly enjoy the charm of this seaside town, aim to visit during the dry seasons from July – October and January to February
None yet
Lamu in Kenya can be reached by air from Kenya’s main airports in Nairobi, Mombasa and Malindi. All flights land on Manda Island, Lamu. Our guests are greeted by hotel staff upon arrival at Manda Airport and are transferred in one of our boats to the hotel.
It is also possible to visit us by land although it is a bumpy seven hour drive from Mombasa and at least four hours from Malindi. You will have to park your car on the mainland at the Mokowe jetty and take a boat from there to Shela.
Skyward Express, Safari Link and Jambo Jet fly between Lamu and Nairobi’s Wilson or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport daily. Flights are also available from Malindi and Mombasa airports. All times based on estimates and are subject to change without notice.
Manda Airport’s new terminal building. – Picture of Manda Bay Hotel, Lamu Island – Tripadvisor
Archipelago Penthouse Suite | |
Pax Number | Rates |
1 – 2 Pax | USD350pn |
1 Jan – 28 Feb 2025 | |
15 Dec – 15 Jan 2026 | USD450pn |
Kizingitini Suite – sleeps 4 | |
Pax Number | Rates |
1 – 2 Pax | USD260pn |
1 Jan – 28 Feb 2025 | |
15 Dec – 15 Jan 2026 (1 -2pax) | USD325pn |
3 – 4pax | USD65pp |
Pate Suite – sleeps 4 | |
Pax Number | Rates |
1 – 2 Pax | USD260pn |
1 Jan – 28 Feb 2025 | |
15 Dec – 15 Jan 2026 (1 -2pax) | USD325pn |
3 – 4pax | USD65pp |
Faza Suite – sleeps 4 | |
Pax Number | Rates |
1 – 2 Pax | USD220pn |
1 Jan – 28 Feb 2025 | |
15 Dec – 15 Jan 2026 (1 -2pax) | USD325pn |
3 – 4pax | USD50pp |
Kiwayu Room | |
Pax Number | Rates |
1 -2 Pax | US130pn |
1 Jan – 28 Feb 2025 | |
15 Dec –15 Jan 2026 (1 -2pax) | USD180pn |
Mkokoni Room | |
Pax Number | Rates |
1 -2 Pax | US130pn |
1 Jan – 28 Feb 2025 | |
15 Dec – 15 Jan 2026 (1 -2pax) | USD180pn |
Siyu Suite | |
Pax Number | Rates |
1 – 2 Pax | US130pn |
1 Jan – 28 Feb 2025 | |
15 Dec – 15 Jan 2026 (1 -2pax) | USD250pn |
High Season
1 January – 28 February 2025
15 December – 15 January 2026
Minimum Stays
Xmas Period
15th December 2025 – 15th January 2026
Two nights minimum
Rates are inclusive of bed only.
Rates are exclusive of all meals, drinks, return airport
transfers and boating activities.
Breakfast can be arranged for USD$20pp
Airport transfer can be arranged for USD$40 per way
We do not offer laundry service.
We welcome everyone over the age of 10
MAKING A BOOKING
To make a booking, kindly send us an email. All
rates are quoted in USD dollars (USD$) and are inclusive of VAT. Provisional bookings will be held for a maximum of 7 days unless an extension has been requested in writing and has been approved.
Bookings will be confirmed only upon receipt of a 50% deposit of the total value of the booking, date, time and method of arrival of each guest, the names of all guests in the group.
Please note that until a 50% deposit is received, THE EDEN EXPLORER retains the right to release the rooms. By sending a deposit you are entering into a contract with THE EDEN EXPLORER and therefore are bound by the below terms and conditions
Terms and Conditions
FULL PAYMENT
Full and final payment must be received no later than 45 days before arrival. If the final payment is not received by this point then THE EDEN EXPLOER is entitled to release the rooms. All payments to be made to: The Eden Explorer Limited.
CANCELLATION
Cancellation must be made in writing and will only be effective upon written notification from THE EDEN EXPLORER. If there is no acknowledgment of the cancellation from THE EDEN EXPLORER it means that your cancellation notification has not been received and is therefore not valid. Refunds may be applicable in the following circumstances:
Cancellations received more than 120 days before arrival, the 50% deposit is refunded nett of bank charges. Cancellations received between 120 and 60 days before arrival, the 50% deposit is forfeited
Cancellations received between 59 days and a “no show”, 100% of the total cost is forfeited. No refunds are given for flight cancellations or early departure from the hotel.
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