Kenya coast destination
Lamu Island
Car-free lanes, wooden dhows and centuries of Swahili heritage. Slow down on one of East Africa’s most unique islands.
Location
Lamu County, Kenya
Size
Old Town, about 16 hectares
Ideal stay
3 to 4 days
Best time
Jun to Oct, Jan to Mar
Famous for
UNESCO-listed Lamu Old Town
A town untouched by time
Lamu Island lies off Kenya’s northern coast in the Lamu Archipelago. Lamu Old Town is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is still a living, working town.
There are almost no cars on the island. Donkeys and dhows still do much of the work, and life moves at an unhurried pace found almost nowhere else on the Kenyan coast. Add quiet beaches at Shela, mangrove channels and rich Swahili culture, and Lamu becomes a destination all of its own.
Why Lamu rewards the extra journey
Six reasons to travel to Kenya’s most atmospheric island.
Lamu Old Town
East Africa's oldest and best-preserved Swahili town, still lived in today.
UNESCO World Heritage
Recognised for its architecture and centuries of history.
Almost car-free
Donkeys and dhows set a slower, calmer pace of life.
Traditional dhows
Wooden sailing boats remain part of daily island life.
Quiet beaches
Long, uncrowded sand at Shela and across the archipelago.
Rich Swahili culture
Arab, Persian and Indian influences visible everywhere.
When to visit Lamu Island
Lamu is warm all year. Choose the season that suits your plans.
June to October
Cooler and dry
Pleasant weather for walking the Old Town and sailing.
January to March
Hot and dry
Calm seas and ideal beach weather at Shela.
April to May
Long rains
The quietest time of year, with some places closed and the lowest rates.
November to December
Short rains
Occasional showers and a festive atmosphere.
Coastal life around Lamu
Mangroves, reefs and beaches give the archipelago a rich variety of wildlife.
Sea turtle
Turtles nest on beaches around the archipelago.
Reef fish
Snorkel over reefs and sandbanks near the islands.
Ghost crab
Scuttling across the sand at dawn and dusk.
Coastal birds
Herons, kingfishers and seabirds along the channels.
Starfish
Look for them in shallow water at low tide.
Things to do on Lamu Island
Slow days of walking, sailing and swimming.
Old Town walking tour
Explore narrow lanes, carved doors and Swahili houses on foot.
Dhow sailing
Sail the channels on a traditional wooden dhow at sunset.
Shela Beach
Relax on the long, quiet beach at Shela village.
Lamu Museum
Learn about the island’s Swahili history and heritage.
Mangrove channels
Explore the quiet waterways by traditional boat.
Planning your trip to Lamu
Practical details to help you decide how to get there and where to stay.
Getting to Lamu
- By air: flights from Nairobi and Mombasa land at Manda Island airstrip.
- By boat: a short boat ride across the channel takes you from Manda to Lamu town or Shela.
- Combined routes: Lamu works well as a quiet final stop after a safari and a beach stay.
Where to stay
- Lamu Old Town: restored Swahili houses and small boutique hotels.
- Shela village: relaxed guesthouses close to the beach.
- Every budget: we match hotels to your style, from comfortable mid-range to luxury.
Safari and beach holidays
Combine a Kenyan safari with time on the coast. Ask us to add Lamu to any itinerary.
- Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Mombasa, Diani
- 6 Days 5 Nights
- Amboseli, Diani, Mombasa
- 7 Days 6 Nights
Lamu Island FAQs
Quick answers to common questions about visiting Lamu.
Where is Lamu Island?
Lamu is part of the Lamu Archipelago off the northern coast of Kenya, close to the border with Somalia.
How do you get to Lamu?
Fly from Nairobi or Mombasa to Manda Island, then take a short boat ride across the channel to Lamu town or Shela.
Are there cars on Lamu Island?
There are almost no cars on Lamu. People walk, ride donkeys or travel by boat, which gives the island its calm pace.
How many days do you need in Lamu?
Three to four days lets you explore the Old Town, sail on a dhow and relax on Shela Beach.
What is the best time to visit Lamu?
June to October and January to March are the driest months. April and May are the wettest.
Why is Lamu Old Town a UNESCO site?
It is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, with traditional architecture that is still in daily use.
Start planning your Lamu escape
Tell us your travel dates and we will plan your time on Lamu, on its own or after a safari.