Skip to content 
Kenya · Coastal Destinations
Lamu Island
Car-free streets, dhows on the water and a Swahili old town that has barely changed in centuries.
Location
Lamu County, Kenya
Old Town
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Best time
December to March
Ideal stay
Three to five nights
The island
Where time slows down
Lamu is part of an archipelago off Kenya’s far north coast. Lamu Old Town is one of the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. There are almost no cars on the island: people get around on foot, by donkey or by dhow.
Wander narrow lanes of coral-stone houses and carved doors, sail between islands on a traditional dhow, and walk the long, empty sands of Shela Beach. Mangrove channels, quiet villages and fresh seafood complete the picture.
Lamu feels a world away from safari country. Fly in after the Maasai Mara, or combine it with Watamu and Kilifi on the north coast.
Places your guide will show you
Lamu Old TownShela BeachManda IslandLamu FortTakwa RuinsKipungani
Car-free island
Explore by foot, donkey or dhow
Marine life
Life around the archipelago
Warm waters and mangroves around the islands support a wealth of marine life. Sightings vary with the season.
Scroll for more →
01
Dolphins
Often seen on dhow trips between the islands.
02
Sea turtles
Feed and nest around the archipelago.
03
Reef fish
Snorkel over reefs near Manda Toto Island.
04
Mangrove crabs
Live among the mangrove channels.
05
Humpback whales
Pass offshore roughly from July to October.
Experiences
Things to do in Lamu
Days in Lamu follow the tides and the call to prayer.
Lamu Old Town
Wander the lanes, visit the museum and the old fort.
Dhow sailing
Sail between islands, fish and snorkel on a traditional dhow.
Shela Beach
Kilometres of empty sand and dunes, a short boat ride from town.
Mangrove channels
Explore the waterways that wind between the islands.
Swahili cuisine
Fresh seafood, coconut curries and street snacks.
Sunset cruises
Watch the sun go down from the deck of a dhow.
When to visit
The best time for the coast
The coast is warm all year. Dry months bring the clearest water for snorkelling and diving.
Jan – Mar
Peak season
Hot and dry
Calm seas, clear water and sunshine. The peak beach season.
Apr – Jun
Long rains
Humid with heavy showers and rougher seas. Some hotels close.
Jul – Oct
Cool and dry
Pleasant days, steady breezes and humpback whales offshore.
Nov – Dec
Short rains
Brief showers early on, then busy festive weeks.
Getting there
Reaching Lamu
By air
Fly from Nairobi or Mombasa to Manda airstrip, then take a short boat across to Lamu.
By boat
Boats and dhows link Lamu, Shela and the nearby islands.
After a safari
Fly from Nairobi after your safari, or combine with Watamu and Malindi.
Entry fees apply at Lamu Museum, Lamu Fort and some ruins. Ask us for current rates when you request your quote.
Ready-made trips
Safari and coast holidays
We do not run fixed trips to Lamu yet, but we can add it to any of these coast holidays. Ask us when you enquire.
- Tsavo West, Tsavo East, Amboseli
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Amboseli, Tsavo West, Tsavo East
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Tsavo East, Tsavo West
- 3 Days 2 Nights
- Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Mombasa, Diani
- 6 Days 5 Nights
- Amboseli, Diani, Mombasa
- 7 Days 6 Nights
Good to know
Lamu FAQs
Where is Lamu Island?
In the Lamu Archipelago off Kenya’s far north coast, close to the border with Somalia.
Why is Lamu Old Town famous?
It is one of the oldest and best-preserved Swahili towns in East Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Are there cars on Lamu?
Almost none. People walk, ride donkeys or travel by boat.
How do I get to Lamu?
Fly to Manda airstrip from Nairobi or Mombasa, then take a short boat ride to the island.
How many days do you need in Lamu?
Three to five nights gives you time for the old town, the beach and a dhow trip.
When is the best time to visit Lamu?
December to March and July to October, the drier seasons.
Talk to a planner
Still deciding?
Our Nairobi team can answer anything about Lamu and shape a route around your dates.
- +254 111 318 596
- +254 705 223 484
- info@topmatoursandsafaris.com
- Mon – Sat: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Your journey
Plan your Lamu escape
Tell us your dates, group size and budget, and we will shape a Lamu itinerary around the season and the experiences you want.
