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Kenya coast destination
Lamu Island, where time slows down
A car-free island of Swahili stone houses, dhows and quiet beaches.
Quick facts
Park at a glance
Location
Lamu County, Kenya
Old Town
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ideal stay
3 to 4 nights
Best time
June to March
Island overview
The soul of the Swahili coast
Lamu Old Town is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are no cars on the island. Donkeys and dhows are the main way to get around, and life moves to the rhythm of the tides and the call to prayer.
Wander narrow lanes of coral stone houses with carved wooden doors, then sail along the mangrove channels to the beaches of Shela or to the ruins on nearby Manda Island. Lamu is perfect for travellers looking for culture, calm and a sense of stepping back in time.
- Short flights to Manda airstrip, then a boat
- Car-free streets explored on foot or by donkey
- Shela beach just along the shore
Why go
Six reasons Lamu captivates
Culture, calm and a unique way of island life.
UNESCO Old Town
Centuries-old Swahili architecture still lived in today.
Dhow sailing
Glide through mangroves and across the bay on a traditional dhow.
No cars
Quiet streets where donkeys and walking set the pace.
Shela beach
Long, empty dunes and beach a short walk or boat ride away.
Swahili cuisine
Fresh seafood, coconut curries and spiced coffee.
Culture and festivals
Island traditions celebrated through the year, including the Lamu Cultural Festival.
Marine life
What you will find around Lamu
The waters and mangroves of the archipelago are full of life.
Dolphins
Often seen alongside dhows in the channels and open sea.
Sea turtles
Nesting on quiet beaches and feeding around the reefs.
Reef fish
Colourful fish on the coral around the outer islands.
Crabs
Scuttling across the sand and among the mangrove roots.
Seabirds
Terns, herons and kingfishers along the shore and creeks.
Humpback whales
Sometimes spotted offshore during their migration season.
When to visit
Lamu through the year
The coast is warm all year. Choose the season that suits your plans.
Peak season
December to March
Hot and dry
Calm seas, clear water and long sunny days. Ideal for beaches, snorkelling and diving.
Great time
July to October
Cool and dry
Pleasant temperatures and the season when humpback whales pass along the coast.
Quiet season
April to June
Long rains
Heavy showers, lush scenery and quieter beaches, with some hotels offering lower rates.
Good value
November
Short rains
Brief afternoon showers between sunny spells, before the festive season.
Things to do
Island life at its best
Slow days of culture, sailing and sea.
Old Town walk
Explore lanes, courtyards and museums with a local guide.
Dhow sailing
Spend a day sailing, fishing and swimming from a wooden dhow.
Shela beach
Walk the dunes and swim in the quiet waters of the bay.
Mangrove channels
Explore the creeks by boat and spot birds and crabs.
Swahili cooking
Learn to cook coastal dishes with local families.
Snorkelling
Discover coral and fish around the outer islands.
Plan your visit
Getting there and staying over
The practical details, so you can focus on island life.
By road or rail
Road access is limited, so most travellers fly. A boat transfer takes you from the airstrip to the island.
By air
Scheduled flights from Nairobi and Mombasa land at Manda airstrip, a short boat ride from Lamu.
Where to stay
Restored Swahili houses in the Old Town or beach hotels in Shela.
Coast trips
Trips that include the Kenyan coast
Safari and beach holidays that finish by the Indian Ocean. Every itinerary can be tailored to you.
- 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 questions, answered
The things travellers most often ask before visiting. Anything else, our Nairobi team is happy to help.
Fly to Manda airstrip from Nairobi or Mombasa, then take a short boat ride to the island.
Three or four nights lets you enjoy the Old Town, a dhow trip and some beach time.
Yes, apart from a handful of official vehicles. Donkeys, boats and walking are the way to get around.
Lamu is a conservative Muslim town, so light, modest clothing is appreciated away from the beach.
Yes. Fly back via Nairobi or Mombasa to join a safari before or after your island stay.
June to March is ideal. Some hotels close during the long rains from April to June.
Ready to slow down on Lamu?
Tell us your dates and the kind of stay you have in mind, and we will plan your Lamu escape around you.
