Lamu Island at a glance
- Where
- Lamu archipelago, off Kenya’s north coast near the Somali border
- Protected
- Lamu Old Town, UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001
- Getting around
- On foot, by donkey or by boat; almost no cars
- Known for
- Swahili architecture, dhows, Shela beach and a slow pace
- Best months
- December to March, and July to October
- From Nairobi
- About 1.5 hours by scheduled flight to Manda Island, then a short boat ride
- Ideal stay
- 3 to 4 nights
- Pairs with
- Masai Mara, Diani Beach
Lamu Old Town
Lamu has been lived in continuously for more than 700 years. Its narrow streets, carved wooden doors, coral-stone houses and rooftop terraces reflect centuries of trade between Africa, Arabia, Persia and India. UNESCO describes it as the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa.
- Lamu Fort, built in the early 19th century, now a museum and gathering place on the main square.
- Lamu Museum on the seafront, with Swahili culture, dhow models and ceremonial horns.
- The donkey sanctuary, which cares for the island’s working donkeys.
Lamu is a conservative Muslim town. Cover shoulders and knees in town, and ask before photographing people.
Things to do on Lamu Island
Dhow sailing
A sunset sail through the channel, or a full day with snorkelling and grilled fish on a sandbank.
Shela village and beach
A quieter village with a long, empty beach and dunes. Walk along the shore or take a boat from Lamu Town.
Takwa ruins on Manda
The remains of a Swahili town abandoned in the 17th century, reached by boat through the mangroves.
Best time to visit Lamu Island
- JanHot, dry
- FebHot, dry
- MarHot
- AprHumid
- MayRains
- JunRains
- JulBreezy
- AugDry
- SepDry
- OctDry
- NovShowers
- DecWarm
The northern coast is driest from December to March and from July to October. Lamu’s cultural festival and the Maulidi celebrations bring music, dhow races and crowds; ask us for this year’s dates.
Safety and getting there
Scheduled flights from Nairobi land at Manda Island airstrip in about 1.5 hours, and a boat takes you across to Lamu Town or Shela in minutes.
Check the travel advice
Some governments advise against travel to parts of mainland Lamu County near the Somali border, while treating Lamu and Manda islands differently. Check your own government’s current advice and your travel insurance before booking. We only arrange travel by air to the islands.
A day on Lamu
- Morning
The old town
Walk the lanes before the heat, visit Lamu Fort and the museum, and watch dhows unloading on the waterfront.
- Midday
Lunch and rest
Swahili food on a rooftop, then a quiet hour in the shade, as the town does.
- Afternoon
Shela beach
A boat or a 45-minute walk along the shore to Shela for a swim and the dunes.
- Sunset
Dhow sail
Out on the channel as the light turns gold, back in time for dinner in town.
Choosing between beaches? Lamu is about culture and pace; Diani is about easy beach days and activities; Zanzibar mixes both and suits a Tanzania safari.
Safari and Lamu with See Safari Adventure
Tell us your dates and we will combine Lamu with any Kenya safari.
Sources
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Lamu Old Town. History and heritage status.
- National Museums of Kenya. Lamu Fort and Lamu Museum.
Seasons and travel times come from our own team. Last reviewed November 2026.
