The Shela Houses
Lamu Island is a small pleasant island, a perfect getaway for those seeking a peaceful holiday. It is here that Shela House Management has been running private holiday homes since 1992. The houses are designed to offer visitors a completely relaxing holiday in unusually luxurious yet eco-friendly setting.
The company was a pioneer of the village clean-up committee, which still exists today and was also a founder member of the Shela Bursary Fund. This has four luxury villas, ranging in size from accommodating 8 to 12 people, all are set in the winding passages of Shela and its surrounds. They have all been designed in a traditional Arabic style with a central courtyard and rooftop lounging area with the rooms coming off the bougainvillea covered walkways. With views out across the roof tops and the bay beyond these are all cool and peaceful surrounds in which to enjoy the island.
Beach House
A large house on the sea front with four double and one triple, en-suite bedrooms. On the first floor, raised above beach level, there is an edgeless fresh water swimming pool. It has a bar area and low comfortable baraza seats. Up the first flight of stairs is a large dining and living room, leading out onto an alfresco terrace.
Another door leads onto the wooden deck over the pool and to two double bedrooms with their own private terraces. The third floor comprises three bedrooms and an open terrace. From the rooftop you can enjoy panoramic views of the whole Lamu channel.
Palm House
Palm House sits between Shela House and the sand dunes and is designed around an open courtyard with a central palm tree. The living and dining areas look onto the courtyard and another small tropical garden. It is spacious, yet compact – with two double and one twin bedrooms on the first floor, all en-suite with private balconies. The second floor has an open terrace, which leads off to a small covered baraza area in front of the fourth bedroom. This master bedroom is furnished with wooden Lamu four-poster bed and has balconies on two sides. There is a super panoramic view from the covered rooftop, which has a bar, sun beds and baraza lounging area.
Shela House – Shela House is built on three floors around an open courtyard, the house well and a shady bougainvillea. An entrance hall leads into the courtyard, edged by a baraza sitting and eating area. Two staircases lead from the courtyard to the upper rooms and terraces. Shela House is an old house of great character, with ample room for nine people or two families. There are five en-suite bedrooms – three double bedrooms, another with two large four-poster single beds and a smaller single bedroom. There is also a nursery room with a cot and two beds, adjoining the major suite. A spacious second floor dayroom and terrace provide additional lounging or games areas, with a small library of books for all ages.
Much time at Shela House is spent on the two rooftops – here you can eat, sleep, play cards or just gaze out at the sea and surrounding islands. At night it is a perfect spot for stargazing.
Garden House
This beautiful private house is ideal for couples or small families. It is just a short walk from Lamu’s stunning, white sand beach. The house which consists of 3 en-suite bedrooms, a lounge, dining room and roof terrace, is elegantly furnished with hand crafted wooden beds and sun loungers. The top floor features the master bedroom and roof terrace and offers a penthouse feel ideal for couples or parents wanting privacy. The staff are superb and will serve you excellent seafood diners in the beautiful walled garden under the light of oil lamps.
At Shela Houses, Your stay will be most pleasurable and pleasant.
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Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.
Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014.

Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
Hi, I’m Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams!Â
You can contact me at rae@gamewatchers.comÂ

Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014.Â

Wayne Hammond
Wayne Hammond
Hello, I'm Wayne Hammond, and I'm fortunate to have embarked on over 30 incredible journeys to the enchanting continent of Africa. It's a place that has captured my heart time and time again. My travels have taken me to Kenya, which I've had the pleasure of visiting far more times than I can recall, as well as to Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, and Mozambique. Among my cherished bush haunts, I hold dear the Masai Mara in Kenya, the mesmerizing Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, and the wondrous South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. I'm not just a passionate traveler but also an avid amateur wildlife photographer and an occasional travel writer. Â
If you're ready to embark on your own African adventure, don't hesitate to reach out to me at wayne@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +44 7986 978 985.Â
Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I've had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul. If you're eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@gamewatchers.comÂ
Let's connect and embark on a journey through Africa's wild wonders together.
Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
You can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or by phone at +91 801 788 5256