Lamu Beach House, Kenya Coast

Lamu Beach House, Kenya Coast

How this holiday makes a difference

Environment

The house is eco-friendly built and run.
Solar water heater and no air conditioning, just fans.
All activities and transport outside of our walls are managed by the local fishermen and boatsmen.
We buy all on the island and our staff are 100% local.
The waste produced here is kept to a minimum and we never buy canned food, rather fresh produce. Organic waste is taken to be composted and the remaining waste is managed by the dump financed by all of us through SERG (the Shela Environmental Resident Group).
Lamu does not have sewers and our waste water from the kitchen is degreased and clarified before going to a 'puits a perdre'. All toilets are fitted with septic tanks and laundry water is clarified before ending up in the 'puits a perdre'.

Our intention was and is also to offer a typically local experience to travellers, in an island which is noted by unesco as one of the best world heritage sites.

We built the house in authentique Sawahili style, with the best craftsmen on Lamu island, Ali Skanda, Mr Mbwara and his niru artists team... We wanted it as a joyful celebration of their ancestral talent. The architecture features zidaka plasterwork and niches, carved and painted beams, daka porch, Arab arches and carpentry work at its finest. It is furnished entirely with antiquities found on site.

Community

We support also the community by offering yearly donations at the local "Bursary Fundraising" so that children can be send to school and for further studies. By visiting us, you will have the opportunity to meet local people and know about this unique Swahili Culture, their Islamic cultures, traditions and activities. We employ local staff and train them well. We offer them good working conditions, a fair wage, and empower them with training opportunities. Visits to Lamu Town, Shela Village and the other local villages are done by local guides with a wide knowledge and experience of the culture and traditions. We have an agreement with the local community suppliers to buy all their fresh fish, lobsters and crabs thus making our menu a feast of fresh fish, salads and vegetables.

We know where exactly to find all things local and we support/ recommend our neighbours, spreading tourism income to those most in need. All is referenced and adviced to you in our "Karibu Book" so that you can encourage and support them in priority. We sustain jobs and cultural diversity by supporting local craft makers and artisans, and promoting the local cultural attractions such as Maulidi Festival, Lamu Cultural Festival, Dhow Races. We work to create good relationships between tourists and the local community , which isn't difficult at all, as we get on so well together, live with and truly love them ! By booking the house, you will be helping us to support the local suppliers, small businesses, boat owners and the community at large towards their survival.

Lamu Beach House, Kenya Coast