Subira House
About this property
This historical Arabian-style building is located in the UNESCO-listed town of Lamu. It is less than 984 feet from the seafront and 1.9 mi from the white sandy beach. The bright rooms at Subira House have either a patio or a balcony and some have sea views and free Wi-Fi. Every room has a fan, a seating area, and a dining area. Guests can enjoy a free buffet breakfast each day at the restaurant. The restaurant serves a range of healthy organic cuisine, with packed lunches and room service available upon request. This eco-friendly property has a library and a garden with sunny terrace, and offers massages and babysitting services. Activities in the area include Snorkeling , whale-shark swimming, canoeing, yoga and a day trip to our Perma culture farm. The Lamu Airport is less than 1.9 mi from the property, but can only be accessed by boat.
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.5 for a two-person trip.
Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap
Most popular amenities
- Free Wifi
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- Bar
Guest reviews
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Guests who stayed here loved
- Marzena
United States
“Subira house is a pure nest of Lamu for travelers. Every detail has a story and a soul. The place is magical filled with history of the island and beyond. The homemade food is delicious made from scratch, from yogurt to bread and homegrown...” - Corrie
United States
“Nicely refurbished ecolodge with locally grown food from the owner's garden. The staff were very helpful and arranged outings. The location was easy to find (once found the first time). The balcony areas were lovely in the exceptional heat of...” - Carola
United States
“Very likeable are the very kind and attentive staff and very attractive the historic Arabic architectural and furnishing style were stunning. This guest house was the former house of the Lamu governor appointed way back by the Sultan of Zanzibar...” - Lesly
Australia
“Mostly, I was totally relaxed and the longer O stayed, the more relaxed I became. It is very well maintained and beautifully renovated hotel in the middle of the old town of Luma. Great effort has been made to reduce its environmental footprint...” - Lauren
United States
“Mohamed & staff were wonderful. The food was amazing.” - Alexander
Germany
“Gorgeous house with amazing swahili flair, lovely hosts. Seems like they contribute to the Lamu community in a big way, they are well known and loved with everyone I spoke to. Hotel staff will help you organize any outing you‘d like, I can...” - Morayma
Mexico
“The breakfast is absolutely delicious and thoughtful in every way. The recommendations are incredible and just the overall care for each and every guest is remarkable. So thankful to have stayed here!” - Edouard
United States
“Nice and helpful staff, good breakfast. Located in the heart of the action in Lamu town right next to the fort. We were the only customers so literally had the house for us which was great Bathroom is private external nice Swahili architectural...” - Yue
United States
“Location and the hotel architecture are wonderful if you like to stay some historical sites. If it’s available, book the third floor ocean view suit. Private porch, unbelievable ocean view, you won’t regret it. Breakfast is remarkably. Located...” - Kala
United States
“Ambience/atmospher. Archecture/design of space. Friendliness of the staff and owners.”

Managed by Swedish Christina and Dutch Paul Aarts are owners since 1990.They met here 1975.
Company info
Property info
Neighborhood info
Languages Spoken
German,English,French,Dutch,Norwegian,Swedish,SwahiliArea info
Restaurants
- Karkadeh
- CuisineLocal
House rules
Child policies
Children of all ages are welcome.
Children 13 and above will be charged as adults at this property.
To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.
Crib and extra bed policies
The number of cribs allowed depends on the option you choose. Check your selected option for more info.
There are no extra beds available at this property.
All cribs are subject to availability.


The fine print
Please note that the island of Lamu is only accessible by boat. Flights arrive at Lamu Airport on Manda Island and busses arrive at Mokowe.
In order for Subira House to arrange boat transport, please inform them in advance of your flight or bus arrival details. Associated costs must be paid in advance. Contact details are provided in the booking confirmation email.
Lamu Old Town is Kenya's oldest settlement. It is an important site for Islamic activities and celebrations.
Please inform Subira House of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
Quiet hours are between 21:00:00 and 08:00:00.