By air
Manda (LAU), then a boat across to Lamu
Africa · Kenya
Lamu, Kenya
A car-free Swahili island town
Getting there
Best time to visit
December to March — dry
Don't miss
Lamu Old Town
Shela
The Lamu Fort
The Swahili House Museum
Things to do
Dhow sails
The old town
The donkey lanes
Where to eat
Sources: Photo: Almaddy2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0
What to pack
Modest clothing
A quieter corner
Shela's dunes
Questions travellers ask
How do I reach Lamu?
Fly into Manda (LAU), then take a boat across to Lamu.
Which months are best for Lamu?
December to March, when it's dry. Pack modest clothing.
What is it like to explore Lamu?
It's a car-free Swahili island town, so wander the old town and the donkey lanes, or go for a dhow sail. See the Lamu Fort and the Swahili House Museum too.
What's special about Shela in Lamu?
Shela's dunes are a hidden gem. Afterwards, try Swahili dishes and fresh juice.
About Lamu
- Island
- Coastal
Where it is
Lamu is an island town in Lamu County on the northern coast of Kenya, part of the Lamu Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, not far from the border with Somalia.
History
Lamu Old Town is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, founded by the 14th century and grown rich on dhow trade with Arabia, Persia and India. It came under the Sultan of Zanzibar in the 19th century and later under British rule, and it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.
People
Lamu's people are mostly Swahili, speaking the Kiamu dialect of Swahili, and their culture blends African, Arab and Indian influences in architecture, cooking and dress. Craftsmen still carve wooden doors and build dhows, and the Maulidi festival marking the Prophet's birthday draws pilgrims from across East Africa.
Known for
- The car-free lanes of Lamu Old Town
- Dhow sailing
- Carved Swahili doors
- The Lamu Fort and Swahili House Museum
- The beaches and dunes of Shela
Did you know?
Lamu's lanes are too narrow for cars, so donkeys, handcarts and boats carry people and goods, and the town even has its own donkey sanctuary.
We haven't written a guide for this place yet — you can still plan a trip here.