Karibu Mbibo
Your Dune Escape in Lamu
Below is all the information you’ll need during your stay with us. From important contacts, to all our favourite things to do, think of this space as your little black book for Lamu.
About Mbibo House
Mbibo House was born from a love of Lamu’s slow rhythms, its rich Swahili culture, and the wild beauty of the dunes. Built using traditional techniques and local materials, our home is designed to breathe – to keep you cool, comfortable, and connected to nature.
We’ve partnered with The Flipflopi Project to furnish the house with unique recycled plastic pieces, celebrating innovation, sustainability, and coastal creativity.
🛏 Bedrooms: all with mosquito nets, overhead fans, and fresh linens, Jani toiletries in the bathroom and fresh towels.
🍽 Kitchen: Fully equipped with a gas stove, fridge, blender & basics (salt, pepper, oil, etc.) plus our incredible in house Chef Lawrence who is on hand to cook up a storm.
💧 Water: Filtered drinking water fresh from our well is provided in your rooms and for bottle refills- we discourage buying water in plastic due to Lamu’s inadequate waste management system.
🧹 Housekeeping: Daily cleaning is included and laundry is free of charge - Eunice our wonderful housekeeper will be on hand to assist.
🌐 WiFi: There is WiFi throughout the house, you’ll find the password in each bedroom and shared space. Please note the signal is best on the roof.
🌿 Garden & Pool: Lush, peaceful, and perfect for a morning swim or sunset lounging.
🔒 Security: Our trusted askari (security) is on-site every night and can help you navigate the village at night too.
💸 Tips: Our team take great pride in looking after Mbibo House and our guests. In Kenya it’s customary to show appreciation with a cash tip if you’ve enjoyed the service. You’re very welcome to give this directly to each team member, or leave it with Hannah and it will be shared with the team.
Need anything? Don’t hesitate to message me, Hannah on WhatsApp – I’m here to make your stay seamless.
Settling In
Useful Contacts & Our Team
I recommend you contact Chef Lawrence before your arrival to plan meals during your stay.
About Your Host
Hi! I’m Hannah, and I fell in love with Lamu the minute I stepped off the boat in 2018. I built Mbibo House to be a sanctuary from the hubbub of the village next to the wild dunes yet not too far from the warmth of the Shela community.
Since moving here I’ve immersed myself in the rich culture and history mainly because I’m a geek for that kind of stuff but also because I’ve been working and supporting environmental projects across the county, married into the community and grown my family while building my dream home.
I want you to feel at home in Mbibo and experience the best of what Lamu has to offer so that you too can develop a special connection to this incredible island too. I’ve spent years honing my little Lamu book to ensure you can access the best guides, boats, therapists and excursions - so please share your requests so I can help create memorable experiences to suit your needs.
Feel free to leave us a note, tag us in your adventures on Instagram @mbibohouse_lamu, and share your reflections in our guestbook.
House Rules
We aim to keep things easygoing, but a few gentle guidelines help us maintain this peaceful space:
🕙 Check-In & Check-Out
Check-in: After 1:00 PM
Check-out: By 10:00 AM
We can be flexible so please do ask…
🏊 Pool Use
Swim at your own risk, there is no lifeguard on duty.
Children must be supervised at all times.
No glass around the pool, please.
☀️ Beach Towels
We can provide beach towels for use outside the property - but please be sure to bring them back.
🔇 Quiet Hours
Please respect quiet time from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, especially in shared spaces.
🚭 Smoking
Smoking is only permitted in outdoor areas and away from open windows or doors.
Ashtrays are available upon request so don’t use just anything, please ask Lawrence for these
🧑🤝🧑 Guests & Visitors
Only registered guests are allowed to stay overnight.
You’re welcome to invite visitors during the day – just let us know in advance.
🌍 Sustainability
The house runs off 100% solar power which is great for the planet and great for you so you won’t be affected by power outages - which are frequent!
We compost food waste and recycle plastic and glass – ask staff where to place items.
Our plastic gets recycled at the Flipflopi Project which is also where our brightly coloured furniture was made!
Please turn off lights and fans when leaving rooms to conserve our batteries.
Getting Around
Shela Village: A 12-minute walk will take you through the village to the famous Peponi Restaurant and beach. Please ask if you need help with directions or a guide, the village is a warren!
Lamu Town: A 15-minute boat ride away. I always recommend to go with a guide for the first time to save on getting lost, hassle on the seafront and to not miss a thing! Ask us to arrange a boat or guide.
Beach Access: 15 mins by foot over the dunes – wear sandals and enjoy the stroll, you’ll find endless golden coastline and a peaceful breeze. Best done early in the morning or evening as the sun is hot!
Cash is king: Most local places don’t accept cards – carry some Kenyan shillings or use MPesa.
Respect local customs: Lamu is a predominantly Muslim island and we ask men and women to dress modestly in the village - so men keep your tops on and women please cover shoulders and/or knees.
Must Do’s During Your Stay
I’d love to help you experience the magic of Lamu beyond the usual. Here are some of my favourite things to do:
Sunset Dhow Cruise (with snacks & drinks) - depending on tides you can also visit Takwa Ruins, an abandoned settlement on Manda Island now overrun with baobabs and acacias - Call Adu to arrange
Mangrove Forest Kayaking/Swimming/Paddleboarding with Captain Farid following along with refreshments and for your comfort and safety.
Spend the Day Sailing, Eating and Lounging on board Lamu’s most beautiful dhows where you can experience slow travel the way it’s been done for centuries and enjoy the best food of your life on board — it’s a tall order but it’s my favourite meal of all time. We can tailor your trip for what you want be that snorkelling at the reef or a cultural adventure to Pate Island - call Adu to see what fits best for you
Catch Your Dinner for those with a love of fishing, Lamu is a great spot to while away the hours casting some lines. We can arrange short trips within the mangrove channels or head to the deep sea for a longer adventure.
Swahili Cooking Class – learn how to wrap a samosa and cook some local classics with the Shela Womens Association
Walking Tour of Lamu Town – be sure not to miss the magic hidden away in Lamu town by visiting with a trusted guide to show you all the historical and cultural highlights
Visit The Flipflopi Workshop – see how our furniture was made and how they have created the worlds first recycled plastic sailing boat!
Slowing Down
Lamu has long attracted healers, seekers, and creatives. The peaceful energy of the island, the sound of the sea, and the ancient rhythms of Swahili life offer the perfect setting to reconnect — whether through movement, massage, energy work, or rest.
Here are some of my most-loved healing and wellness experiences available during your stay. Most can take place at Mbibo, or in tranquil spaces in nearby.
Below are therapists that are here throughout the year. Given the time of year other therapies are available - ask Hannah to see who’s around!
Yoga classes are also available daily at Banana House - please ask Hannah for the up to date timetable.
Asante sana for choosing Mbibo House. May your stay be restful, joyful, and full of discovery.
