Lamu Island, Kenya: The Complete Guide

Located off the north coast of Kenya, Lamu Island is one of the main islands in the Lamu Archipelago.

With a history of commerce dating back to the 14th century and an abundance of fantastically preserved Swahili and Islamic architecture, it is an important destination for anyone interested in the colorful heritage of East Africa.

There are no paved roads on Lamu Island, and pedestrians and donkey carts still roam its sandy alleys as they have for hundreds of years.

Consequently, a visit there can seem like stepping back in time.

Visitors come to disconnect from technology and revel in the beauty of the island's white-sand beaches and blue views of the Indian Ocean.

We hope you enjoy watching this video about Things to Do in Lamu, Kenya

Source: Adventure Singh

The History of the Island

Lamu Island has been continuously inhabited for more than 700 years since Arab merchants established a port there in the 14th century.

In the centuries that followed, it became an important seaport for trade between the native Africans of the Swahili coast and Arab, Persian, Indian, and European visitors.

Lamu Old Town prospered during the years of the slave trade and was briefly ruled by the Sultan of Zanzibar, the former Omani ruler of the Zanzibar Archipelago in Tanzania.

After Kenya's independence in 1963, Lamu's reputation as a tourist destination grew gradually before being consolidated in 2001 with the inscription of Lamu's historic center as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, the city is recognized as the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in all of East Africa.

Main things to do

Lamu old town

Every Lamu adventure must begin in Lamu Old Town, where original Swahili houses and monuments compete for space on narrow, labyrinthine streets.

Made of coral stone and mangrove wood, many of the buildings are noted for their architectural flourishes that include elaborately carved doors leading to cool interior courtyards, airy balconies, and archways that overlook the sea.

The Lamu Museum is the main point of interest for those who want to experience Swahili culture.

Exhibits range from artifacts collected from local ruins to traditional boat-building tools and ceremonial wedding garb.

Tickets include entry to 19th-century Fort Lamu, which now functions as a library for valuable collections of Swahili poetry and historical reference books.

Shela and Matondoni

The rural towns of Shela and Matondoni offer two very different experiences, both from the old town of Lamu and from each other.

Shela is known for its collection of mosques from the 19th century, but it has also become a sophisticated destination with numerous luxury eco-lodges and yoga retreats.

The best restaurants and boutiques can be found here, while the bohemian atmosphere attracts many artists and designers.

Meanwhile, the fishing village of Matondoni remains largely intact, with few visitors.

However, it is worth taking a walking tour or dhow trip to see the master boat builders repairing and building new dhows using traditional methods.

Beaches and Water Sports

There are many beautiful beaches on Lamu Island, the most famous of which is probably Shela Beach.

Here you will find more than 11 kilometers of idyllic white sand, although bathers must be careful with the currents.

Dhow and speedboat cruises also take beach lovers to Kiwayu Island. As part of the Kiunga National Marine Park, it is home to pristine beaches and some beautiful coral reefs.

While snorkeling, keep an eye out for exciting marine life, including rare turtles, dolphins, and dugongs.

Deep-sea fishing is a favorite pastime of enthusiastic anglers, who have the opportunity to catch sailfish, marlin, kingfish, and more depending on the season.

The seasonal trade winds offer excellent opportunities for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Holidays and religious celebrations

Lamu Island is an essential center for education in Islamic and Swahili culture and hosts many different festivals throughout the year.

The most prominent is the Lamu Cultural Festival and the Maulidi Festival.

The first celebrates Swahili traditions with a donkey and dhow races, swimming competitions, poetry readings, and performances of ancient arts and dances, and the second is a week-long celebration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.

It attracts pilgrims from all over East Africa and the Indian Ocean and includes music, dancing, and street parades.

Other popular festivals include the Lamu Food Festival (which celebrates the island's diverse culinary heritage) and the Lamu Yoga Festival.

Where to stay

There are many accommodation options on Lamu Island to suit all tastes and budgets.

In Lamu Old Town, two of the most authentic options are Lamu House Hotel and Baytil Ajaib. The first is a converted Swahili townhouse on the historic waterfront, with 10 beautifully appointed rooms, three pools, and a restaurant specializing in delicious local cuisine.

The second dates from the 18th century and has four carefully restored rooms and suites.

Its elevated position offers magnificent sunset views of the city and the sea, which can be enjoyed while enjoying an evening drink on the balcony.

Shela's top-rated hotel is the Peponi Hotel, a beachfront property with a pool and tranquil gardens and 28 boutique rooms.

Upgrade to a Superior Room for a private outdoor area with a rocking bed overlooking the ocean.

The hotel's gourmet restaurant makes the most of the island's abundant fresh seafood and serves creative sushi alongside Swahili favorites.

In the remote southwestern tip of the island, the Kizingo Ecolodge is the best option for anyone looking to get away from it all.

There are eight beachfront bands to choose from, all offering the ultimate in barefoot luxury.

Activities range from hiking the dunes at sunset to swimming with wild dolphins.

How to get there and move

The easiest way to get to Lamu Island is to fly into Manda Airport (LAU), located on nearby Manda Island.

Domestic airlines such as Airkenya Express, Safarilink, Fly 540, and Mombasa Safari Air offer daily flights from major cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, and Malindi.

Ferries leave for the historic center of Lamu from Manda Island and Mokowe on the mainland.

If you are heading to Shela or anywhere else on the island, you will need to take another dhow to reach your final destination.

It is also possible to travel from Mombasa to Mokowe by bus.

The best company is Tawakal, which offers air-conditioned buses with two daily departures. The trip takes about eight hours.

Once you get to the island, it is easy to get around on foot.

For longer trips between cities, hire a donkey or dhow along the coast.

Note that the paths are not illuminated, so if you plan to return home after dark, you will need to bring a flashlight.

The best time to visit

Like the rest of the Kenyan coast, Lamu Island has a tropical climate with high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year.

The hottest and wettest time of the year is the dry season from January to March.

The dry season from July to October is a bit cooler and is a more pleasant time of year to travel for those who don't do well in the intense heat. Prolonged rains last from April to early June and should be avoided.

Short rains (November through December) can be a great time to travel because rainfall often takes the form of short, sharp storms with strong sunlight in between.

Tour and accommodation rates are cheaper at this time of year and there are fewer tourists.

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