What You Need to Know: Lamu Island is about a 1.5-hour flight from Nairobi to Manda Island, then a short boat ride. Its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitors come for the Swahili architecture, dhow sailing and Shela beach. Plan 3–4 nights.
Why Visit Lamu?
Lamu Old Town has been lived in for more than 700 years, and its coral-stone houses, carved doors and mosques have changed little. There are almost no cars: people walk, ride donkeys or take boats.
The village of Shela, a short boat ride away, has a long beach and dunes, and dhow trips sail to the mangroves and nearby islands. The island's festivals, such as the Lamu Cultural Festival, bring dhow races and music.
Things to Do at Lamu
- A walk through the Old Town and the Lamu Museum
- Sunset dhow sailing
- Shela beach and the dunes
- A trip to the ruins at Takwa on Manda Island
How to Get to Lamu
Flights from Nairobi and Mombasa land at Manda airstrip, opposite Lamu town, and boats cross in a few minutes.
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | Flight to Manda, then boat | About 1.5 hours |
| Mombasa | Flight to Manda | About 1 hour |
When to Visit Lamu
July to March is the best time, with dry weather; April to June is the rainy season and some places close.
Entry Fees
| Fee | 2026 rate (non-resident adult) |
|---|---|
| Lamu Old Town and museums | Small entry fees, shown in your quotation |
Fees are paid through Kenya's eCitizen system or at the gate and are included in our quotations. Every visitor to Kenya needs an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), about US$30–35, applied for at etakenya.go.ke at least 3 days before you fly. Kenya is on the yellow fever list, so carry your certificate if you continue to Tanzania, Uganda or Rwanda.
How Many Days Do You Need?
Three to four nights to slow down to island time.
How to Add Lamu to Your Trip
No fixed itinerary includes Lamu yet. Most guests add the coast after a safari: we arrange a flight or the Madaraka Express train from Nairobi and a few nights at the beach after any of our Kenya itineraries, such as the 14-day Kenya and Rwanda safari.
Our Kenya trips are planned by us and run on the ground by trusted local partner operators: you get one written quotation and one point of contact, and a private vehicle with a driver-guide for your group only. In Kenya that is a 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, sliding windows, a fridge and binoculars.
What to Combine It With
- Mombasa and Diani: see our Mombasa guide and Diani Beach guide
- A Kenya safari: fly from the Mara to Nairobi and on to Lamu; see our Maasai Mara guide
Swahili Architecture in Lamu Old Town
Lamu's houses are built of coral stone and mangrove timber, with thick walls that keep them cool, inner courtyards, rooftop terraces and plaster niches inside. The carved wooden doors, with their geometric and floral patterns, show the Swahili, Arab and Indian influences that came with centuries of Indian Ocean trade.
A Sample Day
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Walk the Old Town with a local guide: the seafront, Lamu Fort and the Lamu Museum |
| Midday | Lunch at a seafront restaurant, then rest in the heat |
| Afternoon | Boat to Shela for the beach and dunes |
| Sunset | A dhow sail back along the channel |
Life on Lamu Today
Lamu Old Town is not a museum: about as many people live there as in centuries past, and daily life fills the narrow streets. Donkeys carry goods, fishermen unload at the seafront, children walk to Koranic schools and craftsmen carve doors and furniture in small workshops. The rhythm is slow, and evenings on the seafront, watching dhows come in, are part of the appeal.
Respect local customs: dress modestly in town, covering shoulders and knees, and ask before photographing people. Alcohol is served in some hotels and restaurants but not in public spaces. Friday is the main prayer day, and during Ramadan the town is quiet by day and busy after sunset.
Shela village, a short walk or boat ride away, offers a long sandy beach, dunes and a quieter atmosphere, with guesthouses and small hotels.
Where to Stay on Lamu
Lamu has guesthouses and boutique hotels in restored Swahili houses in the Old Town, with rooftop terraces and courtyards, and beach hotels and villas in Shela. Manda Island, across the channel, has a few quiet beach lodges. Staying in the Old Town puts you in the heart of daily life; Shela is better for beach time.
Most places are small, so book early for the busy months from July to March and around festival times.
Common Questions
Is Lamu safe to visit?
Lamu town, Shela and Manda are visited regularly; we follow our Kenya partners' current advice and fly rather than drive.
Are there cars on Lamu?
Almost none: people walk, ride donkeys or take boats.
How do I get around Lamu?
On foot, by donkey or by boat: there are almost no cars on the island.
What should I wear in Lamu?
Light clothes that cover shoulders and knees in town; swimwear only on the beach.
How do I get from Manda airstrip to Lamu?
By boat, in a few minutes, straight to the Lamu seafront or to Shela.
Is Lamu good for families?
Yes, for families who enjoy a slow pace, beaches at Shela and boat trips; there are no cars to worry about.
What is the Lamu Cultural Festival?
An annual festival of dhow races, music, poetry and crafts celebrating Swahili culture; dates vary each year.
The Bottom Line
Lamu is Kenya's most atmospheric island, a slow, car-free Swahili town. Fly in for three or four nights after a safari.
Tell us your dates, the number of travelers and what you want to see, through the booking form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and we will send a written quotation and itinerary.