Lamu Island — UNESCO World Heritage Site

Lamu is Kenya's most magical destination — a UNESCO World Heritage Island that has existed almost unchanged for over 700 years. In Lamu Town, there are no cars, only donkeys, dhow sailboats, and the feet of the residents. The narrow streets of the old town are lined with centuries-old stone houses with intricately carved Swahili doors.

What Makes Lamu Special

• Lamu Town: The best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. Mosques (23 on the tiny island!), Riyadha Mosque, Lamu Fort (Museum), the Donkey Sanctuary (yes, a donkey sanctuary!), Lamu Museum
• Shela Village: 2 km south of Lamu Town — home to the spectacular Shela Beach, a 12 km long, almost deserted sandy beach. The few boutique hotels (Peponi Hotel, The Majlis) are Kenya's most romantic accommodations
• Dhow Sailing: Glide over the Lamu Channel at sunset on traditional Arabian sailboats — with freshly grilled fish on board. Unforgettable
• Swahili Cuisine: Lamu has Kenya's best Swahili cuisine: pilau rice with cardamom and cloves, samosas, grilled fish with tamarind sauce, halwa (sweet treat), Lamu coffee with cinnamon
• Maulidi Festival: The annual festival celebrating the Prophet Mohammed's birthday transforms Lamu into a sea of music, poetry, donkey races, and dhow regattas

Getting There

Fly from Nairobi (SafariLink/Fly540, about 1:45h) to Manda Island, then a short boat ride to Lamu Town. Alternatively, take a bus to Mokowe (about 8 hours from Mombasa) and a speedboat to Lamu.