Lamu County, northern Kenyan coast
Lamu
A car-free Swahili island where time slows down
- Country
- Kenya
- Region
- Lamu County, northern Kenyan coast
- Type
- Beach Holiday
- Best months to visit
- Jul–Oct, Dec–Mar
Overview
Lamu Old Town is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are almost no cars: donkeys and dhows are still the main ways to get around.
Beyond the town, the archipelago offers empty dunes at Shela, mangrove channels and quiet island hideaways.
- UNESCO-listed Old Town
- Dhow sailing
- Shela beach and dunes
- Lamu Cultural Festival
What you'll see
Coral-stone houses with carved doors, dhows sailing at sunset, the dunes and beach of Shela, and the island’s famous donkeys.
Wildlife you may see
- Dolphin
- Sea turtle
Things to do
- 01
Old Town walk
Explore alleys, museums and rooftop views with a local guide.
- 02
Dhow sailing
Sail to nearby islands, fish, swim and picnic on sandbanks.
- 03
Takwa Ruins
Visit the ruins of a Swahili town on Manda Island.
Best time
- Jan: Great time
- Feb: Great time
- Mar: Great time
- Apr: Possible
- May: Possible
- Jun: Possible
- Jul: Great time
- Aug: Great time
- Sep: Great time
- Oct: Great time
- Nov: Possible
- Dec: Great time
December to March and July to October. Ramadan changes the rhythm of the island — ask us about dates.
Getting there
Scheduled flights from Nairobi or Mombasa to Manda airstrip, then a short boat transfer.
Where to stay
Luxury
Restored Swahili houses and boutique hotels in Shela.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
Comfort
Guesthouses in the Old Town and Shela.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
Budget
Simple Swahili guesthouses in town.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
