Diamond Beach Village

Description

There are no cars on Lamu or Manda, the only form of transport is donkey or boat, both of which are an experience in themselves. The pace of life is inevitably slow and relaxed. The island is located roughly three degrees south of the equator therefore you can guarantee that perfect island getaway, whether it is lazing in your airy banda, on the beach or exploring the surroundings.

Diamond Beach Village provides a wonderful base from which to explore the local scenery and also take in the colourful Lamu culture and people. Or if you'd prefer, simply sit back, relax and luxuriate for days on end and let our friendly staff look after your every need, whether its breakfast in bed or drinks on the swing bed. They are happy to make your stay as peaceful and special as possible to ensure you get into the island pace of life.

At Diamond Beach Village we have six beach huts called bandas, traditionally designed with high windows, the sea breeze flows through making them the ideal retreat from the African sunshine.

The five double bandas have a double bed downstairs and a single bed mounted in the roof, each has a front porch, en suite shower, sink and flush toilet. All bandas are provided with sheets, mosquito nets and towels. Each has a mains plug with a British socket and all have electric lighting in the evening. Our very friendly room boy, Kombo, cleans daily and we offer a laundry service.

The floors and walls are made out of star palm which is woven locally, the roofs are a thatch of coconut palm. There is no fresh water on Manda Island so we re-use the water from the sinks and showers to water the garden. The sixth ‘family’ banda is larger and divided into two, it sleeps between 3-6.

We also have a treehouse to rent. It sleeps between two and six people, with wooden floors, branches coming through the walls and a large veranda on the first floor stretching right around the tree, where there is an open air bathroom with sink, shower and flush toilet. There is another bathroom on the ground floor.

It is an amazing experience to be lying in bed in a baobab tree watching the birds fly by with a view across the village over to the sand dunes of Lamu Island.

It really is a honeymooners' paradise.
The restaurant seating area is shaded from the sun with large palm thatched umbrellas, conveniently situated with a fantastic view of the Indian Ocean. Our experienced chef, Danson, prepares a variety of dishes from traditional Swahili cuisine to more conventional western and vegetarian foods. A must for breakfast is banana pancakes and fruit salad with fresh kenyan coffee or chai tea made from local spices.
Lamu's best kept secret is its freshly caught sea food... Lobster, king prawns, crab, red snapper, tuna, squid, and much more are on the menu each day. Or perhaps try the traditional African barbecued goat or chicken.

Our giant clam shells in the garden under the acacia trees act as bird baths and attract a colourful array of beautiful birds at both dawn and dusk. Sit and watch them play as you relax and enjoy your drinks. Or lie under the shade of the acacia trees on the swing beds and hammocks while listening to the lap of the Indian Ocean which is just a ten second walk away. At dusk, Diamond Beach enjoys the full view of some of the most breathtaking African sunsets. When night falls you can find your way back to your banda, lit by the shimmering light of a billion stars, over 180 degrees of perfectly clear sky. Or perhaps enjoy a moonlight swim where the shimmer of the phosphorescence is truly spectacular.

You are provided with paraffin lamps for the late evening, the well muffled generator gets switched off around 10pm.

How To Find Us

From Nairobi there are 4 daily flights to Lamu
We will pick you up at the airport by boat and it takes 30 minutes to get to Diamond Beach

Pricing Details

Single Banda B&B: $60
Double banda B&B: $120
Treehouse (Sleeps up to 6) B&B: $300