Lamu Travel Guide
City Historic coastal city in Kenya
On Lamu Island, narrow lanes, Swahili stone houses and dhow sails pull visitors to markets, seafood stalls and boat trips out to quiet sandbanks.
80°F
Why Visit Lamu? #
Lamu Island is prized for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, where narrow alleys, carved wooden doors and Swahili architecture feel untouched by cars. Dhows still ply the waters, seafood and Swahili dishes like pilau and urojo define the food scene, and the annual Lamu Cultural Festival celebrates dhow sailing, poetry and traditional crafts. Travelers come for the slow pace, rich cultural heritage and the chance to explore nearby beaches and mangrove creeks by boat.
Best Things to Do in Lamu
All Attractions ›
Lamu Bucket List
- Lamu Old Town - UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow alleys, Swahili architecture, and rich history.
- Lamu Fort - Seafront fort housing a small museum and offering panoramic town views.
- Shela Beach - Soft white sand just south of Lamu town, perfect for relaxing swims.
- Lamu Museum - Small museum showcasing Swahili artifacts, dhow models, and local history displays.
- Donkey Sanctuary - Observe and learn about Lamu's working donkeys and community care efforts.
- Dhow Sailing at Sunset - Charter a traditional dhow for quiet sunset cruises around the archipelago.
- Shela Village - Stroll coral streets, boutique shops, and beachfront paths in this nearby village.
- Manda Island - Short boat ride to exploring quiet beaches, mangroves, and fishing villages.
Best Time to Visit Lamu #
Lamu is nicest in the dry months (June-September) and the drier spells around January-February. The long rains make travel trickier but the islands look spectacularly green.
Best Time to Visit Lamu #
January
Weather
February
Weather
March
Weather
April
Weather
May
Weather
June
Weather
July
Weather
August
Weather
September
Weather
October
Weather
November
Weather
December
Weather
How to Get to Lamu
How to Get Around Lamu #
Lamu Town and nearby Shela are best done on foot; motor vehicles are rare in Old Town and donkey transport is still common. Boats (dhows and motorboats) are the normal way to reach neighbouring islands and the mainland.
Where to Stay in Lamu #
- The Majlis Resort (nearby) - Island resort with varying room rates.
- The Majlis Resort - Comfortable beachfront resort option.
- Lamu House Hotel - Traditional house converted to a guest hotel.
- The Majlis Resort - Highest-end resort in the area.
Where to Eat in Lamu #
- Peponi Hotel Restaurant - Famous sunset spot serving fresh seafood
- The Majlis Hotel Restaurant - Swahili flavors in a historic coral stone setting
- Lamu House Restaurant - Rooftop dining with Swahili and coastal dishes
- The Buttery - Coffee, pastries and light lunch options
- Local rooftop cafés - Rooftop views, iced drinks and light bites
- Forodhani-style stalls & tea houses - Street snacks, samosas and sweet mandazi
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Lamu's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Lamu #
Nightlife in Lamu is relaxed and low-key: hotel bars and beachside cafés in Shela provide evening social life, often with live music in high season. Expect mellow, informal evenings rather than late-night clubbing.
Shopping in Lamu #
Lamu’s shopping is focused on local handicrafts, dhow woodwork, textiles and jewellery sold in small stalls and boutiques in Old Town and Shela. You’ll find artisans, souvenir shops and small markets rather than large malls.
- Lamu Old Town markets - Souks and stalls selling textiles, carvings, and locally made souvenirs.
