Makubwa House

My name is Abdalla although everyone knows me as Dula. I was born and raised in Lamu where I met my beautiful wife. We both moved to Germany where we are raising our two kids. I do love swimming and interacting with people so if I am in Lamu I will be more than happy to walk with you to the market and share some of the stories of my youth in the Island.

Immerse yourself in the Swahili culture when stepping into Makubwa House. A great location, situated in a quiet street just two minutes off the seafront and a three-minute walk to the Old Fort, our home is an ideal retreat for your stay in the mystical island of Lamu. Makubwa House was built in the 1850’s for a Patrician family with all the characteristics of the traditional architecture, at times it hosted up to 3 or 4 generations simultaneously that were living in the different floors. After a careful restoration loads of the original features such as the original courtyard, carved doors, mangrove beams and thatched roofs were maintained so that it would not lose the feeling of a real Lamu House with the Arab, Persian and Indian influences that distinguished the intricated and mesmerizing Swahili architecture. Our home consists of 3 levels: at the bottom a traditional entrance with a classic baraza leading to the courtyard with your private plunge pool. On the second floor you will find one double bedroom and a single bedroom both of these have fans, 3 beds in the gallery, the dining area and our equipped kitchen which you are free to use during your stay. And on the roof area you can find the airconditioned room and a cozy rooftop.

In Lamu you will feel like living in the 19th Century. The small alleys, traditional carved doors, Swahili architecture, street market and the charming people of the island will make you immerse yourself in a completely different world. You are strategically located close to all amenities in town. Just 2 minutes to the seafront where you can catch a boat to Shela or Manda beach which is just 10 minutes from Lamu town. The market is just a 3 minute walk from the house where you can find fresh produce, there are loads of little shops around town where you can find what you need, alternatively let us do it for you!