Gaba Gaba House

Testimonials

“The ultimate chill experience. Gaba Gaba House in the village of Shela captures the Kenyan/ Arabic atmosphere perfectly. The bedrooms ( three each with en suite) looking onto the cool central courtyard with its central palm create a sense of peace. The ground floor with its high ceilings remains cool no matter what, and the roof terrace with its shaded hammocks and plunge pool completes the perfect environment for relaxation. Tommy and Abdulla the house staff look after every need with catering of a high quality featuring locally caught fresh fish and local fresh vegetables and fruit. No need to do anything if you don’t want to. Wi fi available if you feel the need!
Outside a host of experiences await. Start the day with a walk across the dunes and swim in the Indian Ocean off 10 Mile Beach. No beach vendors bothering you here. Go shopping in the narrow local streets (no cars!), or a visit to Lamu town, bustling by comparison and perhaps following it up with a drink or a meal at The Peponi on the waterfront, a very civilised watering hole by any standards. Retreat to the sanctuary of Gaba Gaba in the heat of the afternoon. Go for river cruise on a dhow at sunset (enjoy a sundowner cocktail!) before returning to the house to fill up with one of Tommy’s fish curries.
There are also other opportunities such as visiting the ancient ruins in the mangrove swamps, swimming with dolphins, or sailing to the hotel on Manda Island for sunday lunch. If only all life could be this relaxed, offering what you want when you want. Unique. ”

- David Ray, UK

“Shela village is exquisite and friendly and Gaba Gaba House is the perfect place to stay. It's luxurious, beautiful, relaxed & extremely spacious. Tommy & Abdullah are just great. The food is fresh, very tasty & healthy. I loved walking over the sand dunes every morning for a dip in the sea before breakfast as well as exploring Lamu town with its jostling markets, swimming with dolphins, yoga classes & dow trips to the mangrove islands across the bay . Suprisingly there is much to do, or if you want, or you laze on the beach, visit the fabulous shops, sip cocktails & watch the sun go down at the best bar on the island which is a stones throw away. I've arranged to go back in 8 months! ”

- Sara Novakovic, UK

“Our stay at the secluded, but centrally located, 'Gaba Gaba' in Lamu was relaxing but plenty of activities if you fancied it! We did site seeing (by donkey!), walking, swimming, boating not mention maybe a few too many 'sundowners' at well appointed traditional local hotel. In the fantastic house, Tommy and Abdala cared for all our catering and ensured we fitted in with the local goings on.”

- Dwight Wood, UK

“We had a marvellous time at Gaba gaba. The guys were wonderful and Tommy is definitely one of the Shela's best chefs.Many thanks and best wishes.”

- Bettina Traub, Germany

“One of the most awe-inspiring trips a person can make. Great culture, great people, incredible setting. Gaba Gaba House is the most inspiringly unique property. We couldn't speak more highly of the food and the service. Full marks for the chef. We were so well taken care of. We were made to feel so comfortable and Tommy and Abdallah were really helpful. Highly recommended.”

- Nick, United Kingdom

“What a beautiful house and wonderful staff! We could not have had a better place to stay. Hopefully we can make another trip to Gaba Gaba House again soon.”

- Dharma, Sweden

“Gaba Gaba House has an exotic serenity and fabulous food - Tomi is a great cook! - and it's a great location for experiencing the quiet beauty and bustling village life of Shella's cultural richness. We also found it a convenient springboard for exploring Lamu and the adjacent island archipelago on day trips.”