Whisper a gentle "good night" to the heritage town's guesthouse — La Maison Saraham in Africa

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, compiled and reported by Chen Guanxin | Source: MOOK Editorial Department

“Lala Salama” means “good night” in Swahili. Located on Lamu Island off the coast of Kenya, La Maison Saraham sits beside the centuries-old port town of Lamu. Like a French hostess standing by the door to welcome guests, the guesthouse exudes a touch of French laziness, blends in some Swahili-Arabic flair, and mixes in a hint of Greek style from the Aegean Sea. Named “Salama,” it aims to provide travelers with a comfortable and warm place to rest.

Lamu, one of Kenya’s three major World Heritage towns, retains a lifestyle and pace just as it was hundreds of years ago. With narrow streets that do not allow cars, goods and people are transported either on foot or by donkey. Modern civilization has yet to set foot on this small island. In addition, laws stipulate that new buildings can be no taller than two stories, so there are no large hotels on Lamu Island. Most accommodations are small guesthouses converted from old residences, many of which can be rented as entire homes.

La Maison Saraham is no different. Built upon the original Swahili architectural framework, the first floor houses the dining room and lounge, while the second and third floors contain five rooms surrounding a small central courtyard pool. The rooms feature onion-shaped pointed windows and doors, double wooden doors, and private balconies overlooking Lamu Port. Each room has a unique layout and decor. Some require you to walk through an open-air passageway to reach the bathroom facilities such as sinks and showers, then through a short hallway with a wardrobe, before finally arriving at the bedroom. Others open directly into a soaking tub-like basin, with the bedroom just around the corner.

The French hostess then purchased local antique furniture in Lamu, such as extraordinarily tall four-poster beds with sheer curtains and footstools, making it easier for guests to climb into bed without effort. There are also wooden wardrobes and tables inlaid with carved mother-of-pearl or ceramic patterns, which bear many similarities to ancient Chinese furniture — proof enough that 600 years ago, the Chinese imperial envoy Zheng He of the Ming Dynasty really did reach Kenya. Finally, modern amenities such as running water, electricity, refrigerators, flush toilets were added, along with washbasins. A layer of white paint was applied to the walls — a shade so mysteriously smooth and glossy that even Africans find it remarkable. The more you rub it, the smoother it becomes, with a texture akin to jade. From afar, it gives off the feel of a Greek-style white house.

【Travel Information】

Phone: +254-042-633-491

Address: P.O. Box 471, Lamu, Kenya

Website: www.lamuworld.com

Price: All-inclusive meals, with an additional US$40 per person; also offers dhow sailing trips, half-day excursions including lunch, minimum 4 people, US$65 per person.

● Read more: Living with African wildlife — Kenya’s Tree Tops Hotel

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