Forodhani House, on Shela Beach, in Lamu, Kenya
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Overview
5 bedrooms
4 bathrooms
12 guests
3 nights minimum
House Rental
Beautiful Beachfront House, with stunning beach and ocean views, in Shella, Lamu, Kenya.
Forodhani House is designed in authentic swahili style, has 5 spacious, elegantly furnished bedrooms, with en-suite bathrooms and terraces, sofas in different areas to relax a bit more privately too.
It can accommodate with all comfort 10 guests, even 13 guests with kids.
Its location and finishes are truly stunning : at the beginning of Shella Beach, with 270° sea views, as you could see on the pictures, truly magic when you sit on the terraces or rest here !
4 staff, among them a good cook, are here to pamper you, take care of all so that you can fully relax and enjoy your holidays.
Forodhani House is rented on a Self-Catering basis, because it is the most cost-efficient way to do it for our guests...
House Rules
Pet-friendlyKid friendlySmoking allowed
Bedrooms
4 Kings2 Sofas3 Twins2 Cribs
Bathrooms
4 Full baths
Contribute
Reviews (65)
Jean E
1 contribution
Superb
Very beautiful house, we had a lovely time there. All the staff were really nice and competent (special props to the chef!). We look forward to coming back.
Visited March 2023
Written March 17, 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
isabsimon
Thank you so much and Karibu tena anytime :)
Written December 10, 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Muthoni M
2 contributions
Great place, please improve on cleanliness
We really enjoyed the stay together with my friends, the house is beautiful and the staff are friendly.
Though of all the days we were there we didn't have lights in our room, we were using the table lamp. At the dining room there were so many flies, please do something about this.
The swimming pool is not children friendly.
Lastly , the white towels, bedding and mosquito net have stains, maybe some jik would help.
Looking forward to coming back.
Visited May 2022
Written May 30, 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maryam B
3 contributions
The best!
Beautiful house with breathtaking views! Isabelle and her team were fantastic, always responsive and attentive. The chef Silas made the most delicious meals and the service was excellent. It was a perfect holiday. We had a great time and can’t wait to come back!
Visited December 2021
Written December 9, 2021. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
isabsimon
Thank you so much, it’s such a joy to know you enjoyed your stay fully. Karibu tena anytime, it’s your home now :)
Written December 25, 2021. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
parisienne20
11 contributions
Sublime
Le paradis, la maison est magnifique une équipe d’une gentillesse incroyable, l’hôtesse est au petit soin, relation et échanges fluides. Merciiiii à tous
Visited November 2021
Written December 2, 2021. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
isabsimon
Merci beaucoup pour ces gentils mots. Nous espérons vous revoir bien sûr ;)
Written December 25, 2021. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
marionnette
Paris, France4 contributions
One of the best ever stayings I've ever had in the world
Thank you Forodhani House for making me definitely fall in love with Lamu. My stay was a pure bliss. This is I believe the true luxury we are today looking for. The house, which benefits from an astonishing view on the Indian Ocean, is located at the heart of the village, which makes it so charming and authentic. You can enjoy quietness but as well feel part of Lamu's life: donkeys, wind, birds, dhows, heat, moon and stars, palm treas, bare foot, people. Unforgettable experience. It is located at 2 steps from everything, nice restaurants and shops, beach, sea activities. The house itself is designed with such taste: local, arty and cosy. Il allows you to gather if you wish and be quiet if you need, thanks to its vast living room, comfortable rooms, several teraces, rooftop and pool. The team which is incredibly helpful, efficient, discreet and smiling, makes all for you to feel as if you were at home, while providing premium service, amazing food, and extra top service advice (massage, yoga at home). I loved my stay in your house Isabelle and I have only one word to thank you : grateful. I could feel how much you love Lamu and how much Lamu loves you.
Visited November 2021
Written November 24, 2021. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
isabsimon
Wow ! Thank you more than much Marion. Our team will be so happy to read this. Welcome back anytime, Lamu loves you too, it’s your home now :)
Written November 25, 2021. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rima
New York City, NY1 contribution
Home away from home
A real gem with sweeping views of beach and the surrounding water. Rooma are spacious and airy. Understated elegance, beachy colors, impeccable service and delicious food. And the views are incomparable. We always come back for more.
Visited November 2018
Written July 21, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
isabsimon
And we are so happy to have you here each time you come :-) Thank you Rima.
Written July 26, 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
parisienne20
11 contributions
Amazing
beautiful, quiet, the beaches’re superb, and the welcome is warm
La maison est décorée avec goût, les repas délicieux, un coin de paradis.
Visited May 2019
Written June 8, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
isabsimon
Thank you so much ! You're welcome anytime :-)
Written June 10, 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Margot S
Paris, France1 contribution
We loved it !
The house is on the beach and you feel like being on a boat a bit as it’s so close to the ocean. The gentle breeze, the sound of the waves, the seaviews, the smiles of Forodhani team and whole Shella village… made our stay here fantastic. We felt fully rested. Thank you very much.
Visited April 2019
Written June 2, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
isabsimon
Assante saana Margot for taking that time to give us your feedback. The team loved you too :)
Written June 3, 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Second a
1 contribution
Sublime!
The location, the house and its magnificent views, the amazing team of staff, the delicious food Silas cooked… I can’t recommend Forodhani House enough. All was a sublime bliss!
Visited April 2019
Written June 2, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
isabsimon
Thank you so much ! We are happy you were happy :)
Written June 3, 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Matt T
1 contribution
Incredible house on the beach in Shela
This is one of the best houses in Shela available to rent. The spaces are beautifully designed and combine Swahili aesthetics with modern conveniences. The food is fantastic and the team at the house looks after guests extremely well.
Visited August 2018
Written June 2, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
isabsimon
Thank you so much Matt ! Really much. Our team will be happy to read this :)
Written June 4, 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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What this rental offers
Property features
- Ceiling Fans
Things to do
- Fishing spots available
- Watersports
Location features
- Waterfront location
Entertainment
- DVD player
- Game Room
- Stereo system
Scenic views
- Waterfront views
- Ocean views
Nearby
- Hiking areas
- Countryside area
Services
- Housekeeping included
Living spaces
- Highchair
Location info
- Kid friendly
- Beachfront/Lakeside
Additional amenities
- Boat available
Bathroom and laundry
- Washer
- Dryer
- Towels provided
- Iron
- Linens provided
Wi-fi and internet
- Wi-fi
Indoor amenities
- Internet access
Outdoor amenities
- Private yard
- Balcony
- Private outdoor pool (unheated)
- Terrace
- Deck
Kitchen and dining
- Stove
- Grill
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Freezer
- Microwave
- Kettle
- Toaster
Map
Getting there
Lamu Airport
3.4 mi
Restaurants
Peponi Hotel Restaurant
10 min
Moonrise Restaurant
2.4 mi
Kijani Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
11 min
Whispers Coffeeshop
2 mi
Attractions
Lamu Old Town
2.2 mi • Historic Sites
Lamu Museum
2.2 mi • Speciality Museums
Shela Beach
7 min • Beaches
German Post Office Museum
2.2 mi • Speciality Museums
About the neighborhood
Shela is a village about 2 miles from Lamu Town. The origin of the village is unknown, but according to tradition it was settled by people from nearby Manda Island. In 1813 the elite of Pate Island, allied with the Mazrui clan from Oman, attempted to subjugate Lamu in the Battle of Shela. This attempt failed totally, and the defeat of Pate at Shela signalled the rise of Lamu as the leading power in the archipelago. Shela's golden age was from 1829 to 1857, when 5 of its 6 mosques were constructed. It is especially known for the Friday mosque.
Shela is now a centre for tourism on the island, with several guest houses feature by the coast. Shela is also home to the most spectacular beaches on Lamu island. The appearance of the area is much more in keeping with the imagined East African coastline, with its almost pure white sand, traditional dhows, and clean appearance. It makes a sharp contrast to Lamu town (directly opposite the airstrip on Manda) which lacks a beach and functions as a relatively busy port.
Access
Car not needed
How to get there
There is 3 daily flights to Lamu from Nairobi, and several coming from Mombassa or Malindi too. You land at Lamu/Manda Airport.<BR>You could also drive to Mokowe jetty, by car or by bus.<BR>We come and pick you either at Lamu/Manda Airport or at Mokowe Jetty... and drive you home... holidays !!
Activities nearby
Fishing spots availableWatersports
About this property
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All bookings are direct with the owner
All bookings are direct with the owner Property #FKN2223161973
Frequently Asked Questions about Forodhani House, on Shela Beach, in Lamu, Kenya
- Forodhani House, on Shela Beach, in Lamu, Kenya is able to accommodate up to 12 guests. See all property details.
- Forodhani House, on Shela Beach, in Lamu, Kenya has 4 bathrooms available. See all property details.
- Forodhani House, on Shela Beach, in Lamu, Kenya has 5 bedrooms available. See all property details.