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Kenya coast destination
Lamu Island
Dhows under sail, donkeys in narrow lanes and a Swahili town little changed in centuries. Plan Lamu tours with a local Kenyan team.
Location
Lamu County, Kenya
Status
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ideal stay
3 to 5 nights
Best time
December to March
Famous for
Swahili culture and dhows
Where Swahili life moves at the pace of the tide
Lamu Island lies in an archipelago off Kenya’s northern coast, close to the border with Somalia. Its main settlement, Lamu Old Town, is the oldest and best preserved Swahili town in East Africa and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.
There are almost no cars on the island. Donkeys and handcarts carry goods through lanes barely wide enough for two people, past coral stone houses with carved wooden doors, quiet courtyards and rooftop terraces. Along the waterfront, wooden dhows still sail between the islands, carrying fishermen, cargo and visitors.
A short boat ride away, the village of Shela opens onto a long, empty beach backed by dunes, while Manda Island holds the ruins of an ancient town at Takwa. Lamu is the perfect slow ending to a Kenya safari, and pairs well with a beach stay in Watamu or Diani.
Why Lamu belongs on your Kenya itinerary
Six reasons travellers fall in love with Lamu and keep coming back.
UNESCO Old Town
Walk through living Swahili history in East Africa’s best preserved old town.
Dhow sailing
Sail the channels between islands on a traditional wooden dhow.
Shela Beach
Kilometres of soft sand and dunes, often with hardly anyone else in sight.
Living culture
Experience Swahili hospitality, festivals, poetry and craftsmanship.
Car-free calm
With donkeys instead of traffic, the island feels peaceful and unhurried.
Seafood and spice
Enjoy fresh fish, coconut rice and Swahili sweets on rooftop terraces.
When to visit Lamu
Lamu is warm all year. The dry seasons bring calm seas and the best sailing weather.
December to March
Hot dry season
Sunny days and calm water, ideal for beach days and dhow trips.
- Peak season rates
July to October
Cool dry season
Breezy, pleasant weather and fewer visitors on the beaches.
- Mid season rates
April to June
Long rains
Heavy rain and rough seas. Many guesthouses close for part of this season.
- Many places closed
November
Short rains
Short showers, and often the month of the Lamu Cultural Festival.
- Festival season
Lamu highlights
These are the places most visitors to the Lamu archipelago enjoy.
- Harbour life
Lamu waterfront
Watch dhows load and unload along the busy seafront promenade.
- Lamu Town
- Best at sunset
- Beach
Shela village
A quiet village of whitewashed houses beside the island’s longest beach.
- Southern Lamu
- Best December to March
Things to do on Lamu
Lamu rewards slow travel, with the sea, the old town and the neighbouring islands close at hand.
Island hopping by dhow
Sail to Manda, Pate and the sandbanks for snorkelling, swimming and a picnic lunch.
Boutique stays
Sleep in a restored Swahili house with a pool and a rooftop terrace.
Old Town walking tour
Explore the lanes, mosques and museums with a local guide.
Lamu Cultural Festival
Watch dhow races, donkey races and traditional dance during the annual festival.
Sunset dhow cruise
Sail along the channel as the sun sets over the mangroves.
Planning your Lamu trip
Practical details to help you reach the island and make the most of your stay.
Getting to Lamu
- By air: flights from Nairobi and Mombasa land at Manda Island airstrip.
- By boat: a short boat ride crosses from the airstrip to Lamu Town or Shela.
- Getting around: walk, take a donkey or hop on a water taxi between villages.
Where to stay
- Lamu Town: guesthouses in restored Swahili houses close to the waterfront.
- Shela: boutique hotels and villas near the long beach.
- Manda Island: quiet beach lodges across the channel.
Good to know
- Dress code: Lamu is a conservative Muslim community, so cover shoulders and knees in town.
- Ramadan: some restaurants close during the day in the holy month.
- Travel advice: check current government travel advice for the Lamu area before booking.
Lamu travel questions
Answers to the questions travellers ask us most. Planning a trip? Send us your question and our team will reply.
Where is Lamu Island?
Lamu is an island on Kenya’s northern coast, part of the Lamu archipelago and about 340 km north of Mombasa.
How do I get to Lamu?
Fly from Nairobi or Mombasa to Manda Island airstrip, then take a short boat ride to Lamu Town or Shela.
Why is Lamu Old Town a World Heritage Site?
It is the oldest and best preserved Swahili town in East Africa, with coral stone architecture and traditions that date back centuries.
How many days do you need in Lamu?
Three to five nights lets you explore the Old Town, relax on Shela Beach and take a dhow trip to the nearby islands.
When is the best time to visit Lamu?
December to March and July to October are the driest months, with calm seas and good sailing weather.
Can Lamu be combined with a safari?
Yes. Many travellers fly to Lamu after a safari in the Maasai Mara or Amboseli for a relaxing end to their trip.
Start planning your Lamu trip
Tell us your dates and interests, and our team will plan a Lamu stay that fits around your Kenya safari.
