📍 Shela, Lamu County, Kenya🏠 villa5 beds6 baths👥 Up to 15 guests
✨
Rooftop Pool
Suspended second-floor pool with panoramic village views
✨
Beach 3 Min Away
Walk to the 12km pristine Shela beach in minutes
✨
99% Solar Powered
Sustainable living without compromise on comfort
✨
Starlink WiFi
High-speed internet throughout the property
✨
Private Chef
Professional chef available for all meals
✨
Swahili Architecture
Authentic coral stone construction with hand-carved details
About this place
Wimbi House is the perfect home for a large family holiday or group adventure. Built using local coral stone and traditional Swahili building methods — neru plaster carvings, locally made bespoke furnishings, three ground-floor fountains — the house creates a natural cooling airflow throughout. The suspended second-floor rooftop pool is the crown jewel.
Featuring 5 large en-suite bedrooms, multiple entertainment and dining areas, and a beautiful courtyard, Wimbi House is located in a quiet corner of Shela village — 3 minutes from the waterfront, 10 minutes from Peponi and the 12km pristine beach. Operating on 99% solar power with Starlink high-speed internet throughout.
What this place offers
✓
Rooftop swimming pool
✓
Beach access (3 min walk)
✓
Kitchen with private chef available
✓
Starlink high-speed WiFi
✓
Dedicated workspace/library
✓
99% solar powered
✓
SUP boards and kayak rental
✓
Laundry service
✓
Staff for cleaning and cooking
✓
King beds in all 5 bedrooms
✓
En-suite bathrooms
✓
Mosquito netting
✓
Ceiling fans
✓
Multiple dining areas
✓
Rooftop bar/lounge
✓
Internal Courtyard with fountains
✓
Ocean views from top floor
Sleeping arrangements
First Floor 1
🛏 King
🚼 Crib
En-suiteBalconyFan
🛏
First Floor 2
🛏 King
En-suiteBalconyFan
First Floor 3
🛏 King
En-suiteGarden viewFan
🛏
Pool Room 1
🛏 King
En-suitePool viewTerraceFan
🛏
Pool Room 2
🛏 King
En-suitePool viewTerraceFan
🛏
Staff Room
🛏 Double
En-suiteFanAccessible
Shared & public spaces
🍳
Kitchen
Fully equipped with private chef available
Dining Terrace
Open-air dining overlooking the garden
🛋
Rooftop Lounge
Sunset views with day beds and seating
📚
Library
Quiet reading room with workspace
🌱
Garden Courtyard
Central courtyard with tropical planting
Location
Shela, Lamu County, Kenya
Meet your host
YH
Hosted by Your host
Reviews
4.8★★★★★6 reviews
J
Jill★★★★★
May 2026 · Airbnb
A truly lovely house in beautiful Shela. The pool was perfection, and it made for a great family stay. House manager Hannah was especially responsive.A truly lovely house in beautiful Shela. The pool was perfection, and it made for a great family stay. House manager Hannah was especially responsive.
Full review added by host
"A truly lovely house in beautiful Shela. The pool was perfection, and it made for a great family stay. House manager Hannah was especially responsive.""A truly lovely house in beautiful Shela. The pool was perfection, and it made for a great family stay. House manager Hannah was especially responsive.""A truly lovely house in beautiful Shela. The pool was perfection, and it made for a great family stay. House manager Hannah was especially responsive.""A truly lovely house in beautiful Shela. The pool was perfection, and it made for a great family stay. House manager Hannah was especially responsive."
Response from host
Thank you Jill . We would love to host you again any time. All the best.
SM
Sarah Mitchell★★★★★
May 2026 · Airbnb
Absolutely stunning property. The rooftop pool has the most incredible views of the village and ocean. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, and the private chef prepared the most amazing ...Absolutely stunning property. The rooftop pool has the most incredible views of the village and ocean. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, and the private chef prepared the most amazing Swahili dishes. Will definitely return.
Response from host
Thank you Sarah! We look forward to welcoming you back.
J&
James & Emma Carter★★★★★
May 2026 · Google
We stayed for a week and it was perfect. The Swahili architecture is beautiful, the beach is a short walk away, and the Starlink WiFi meant we could work remotely without issues. The solar setup is im...We stayed for a week and it was perfect. The Swahili architecture is beautiful, the beach is a short walk away, and the Starlink WiFi meant we could work remotely without issues. The solar setup is impressive — you barely notice it.
Response from host
test this
👍 1 guest agreed
MR
Marco Rossi★★★★
May 2026 · Airbnb
Great location in Shela, beautiful property. The pool is amazing. Only minor note — the hot water took a while in the morning, but the staff sorted it quickly. Would recommend to anyone visiting Lamu.Great location in Shela, beautiful property. The pool is amazing. Only minor note — the hot water took a while in the morning, but the staff sorted it quickly. Would recommend to anyone visiting Lamu.
Response from host
this response
AO
Aisha Osman★★★★★
May 2026 · Guest
As a Kenyan, I am so proud of what Wimbi House represents. A world-class luxury experience right here on our coast. The attention to detail in the coral stone work, the hand-carved doors — it is art.As a Kenyan, I am so proud of what Wimbi House represents. A world-class luxury experience right here on our coast. The attention to detail in the coral stone work, the hand-carved doors — it is art.
Response from host
thank you
D&
David & Lisa Thompson★★★★★
May 2026 · Google
Our honeymoon was absolutely magical. Waking up to the sound of the ocean, breakfast on the rooftop, sunset dhow cruises arranged by the team. Everything was perfect.Our honeymoon was absolutely magical. Waking up to the sound of the ocean, breakfast on the rooftop, sunset dhow cruises arranged by the team. Everything was perfect.
Response from host
thank you for your lovely words. come back soon .
Policies & rules
✓ Check-in: 15:00
✓ Check-out: 10:00
✓ Up to 15 guests
✗ No pets
✗ No smoking
Check-in: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM (late check-in by arrangement)
Check-out: Before 10:00 AM
Maximum guests: 15
Minimum stay: 3 nights (7 nights over Christmas/New Year)
House Rules:
Quiet hours from 9:00 PM — please respect the village community
No loud music or large gatherings not agreed in advance
Be mindful of water usage — the island has limited fresh water
Switch off lights and fans when leaving rooms to conserve solar power
Shoes off at the entrance — traditional Swahili custom
Cancellation policy
Moderate
Cancellation: 50% refund for cancellations more than 30 days before check-in for fully paid bookings. No refund within 30 days. Final Payment for bookings is required 30 days before arrival.
Seasons
Low Season
1 May — 31 Jul
Mid Season
1 Aug — 14 Dec, 11 Jan — 30 Apr
High Season
15 Dec — 10 Jan
Safety & property
🔥Fire extinguishers on each floor
🩹First aid kit
💡Well-lit pathways
🏊Pool with shallow entry
👮24-hour village security
📱Emergency contacts provided
💡Well-lit path to entrance
Frequently Asked Questions
Fly to Manda Island airport (LAU) — it is a 5-minute boat transfer to Lamu town, then a 10-minute boat to Shela. We arrange transfers for all guests.
A cook is available on request — we work with excellent local chefs. Most guests enjoy a cook for breakfast daily and dinners several times per week. This is arranged separately and priced at approximately $80-120/day.
Absolutely — traditional dhows with captain are available from $80/half day. Speedboats for island hopping from $150. We arrange everything.
The rooftop pool is naturally heated by the Lamu sun and is warm year-round. Water temperature rarely drops below 28°C.
The nightly rate includes the full property, daily housekeeping, all utilities (solar/Starlink), and use of SUP boards and kayak. Chef, boat hire, and activities are additional.
